A Rare Case of Hydatid Cyst Mimicking Multinodular Goiter With Multiorgan Involvement

Abstract

Hydatid disease is a parasitic zoonosis caused by Echinococcus granulosus, most commonly affecting the liver and lungs. Involvement of the thyroid gland is extremely rare and can mimic more prevalent conditions such as multinodular goiter (MNG). A 26-year-old Iranian woman with a history of consuming contaminated water presented with a painless anterior neck nodule in the thyroid area. Initially diagnosed with multinodular goiter, she underwent total thyroidectomy under general anesthesia. later diagnosed histopathologically as a hydatid cyst of the thyroid, with concurrent cysts identified in the liver and spleen. This case highlights the importance of considering hydatid disease in the differential diagnosis of cystic thyroid lesions, particularly in endemic areas, and discusses diagnosis and management methods.