Primary Intramuscular Hydatid Cyst of the Leg Mimicking a Soft Tissue Tumor: An Illustrated Case Report

Primary intramuscular involvement is rare and can be a diagnostic challenge. A 28-year-old male livestock trader presented with a slowly enlarging mass in the anterolateral aspect of the left proximal leg, associated with dorsum foot paresthesia. Examination revealed a deep-seated, firm-to-cystic, non-tender mass with a positive Tinel’s sign. MRI showed a multiloculated cystic lesion with internal septations and daughter cysts, highly suggestive of hydatid disease. No liver or lung involvement was detected. Complete surgical excision was performed without rupture, followed by postoperative albendazole therapy. Recovery was uneventful with no recurrence after 3 months of follow up