Hydatid cyst of the maxillary sinus

Abstract

Hydatid disease is a parasitic infestation by a tapeworm of the genus Echinococcus. The disease is endemic in the Middle East, the South Asia and South America. The larvae usually cause cystic lesions in the lung and liver. Hydatid cysts are known to affect the head and neck region. The presence of this cyst in the maxillary sinus is extremely rare and should be suspected in cases presenting from endemic countries.