Hydatid cyst of the pterygopalatine fossa

Echinococcus disease (hydatid cyst) is caused by a small tapeworm, Taenia echinococcus or Echinococcus granulosus. The clinical course of this disease depends on the site of involvement and size of the cyst. The majority of hydatid cysts appear in the liver (65%), lungs (25%), and, less frequently, in the spleen, kidneys, heart, bone, and central nervous system (CNS). The diagnosis is made most commonly by radiographs; computed tomography (CT) scanning; serologic tests, including indirect hemagglutination, latex agglutination, and immunoelectrophoresis; and skin tests. Surgery is the only treatment for hydatid cysts. Treatment with mebendazole or albendazole may be tried, if surgery is not possible because of general condition of the patient; however, the results are unpredictable. 1