Disseminated cystic echinococcosis presenting as orbital swelling in a child — case report and literature review

BACKGROUND: Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a parasitic disease that commonly affects the liver and lungs. Orbital involvement is an unusual presentation, particularly in non-endemic areas, and poses diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. CASE PRESENTATION AND LITERATURE REVIEW: We report the case of a five-year-old girl from Syria who presented with orbital swelling and was ultimately diagnosed with disseminated CE. The diagnosis was delayed, and management was complicated by intraoperative cyst rupture and spillage. Surgical resection combined with antiparasitic therapy resulted in regression of the cysts. A scoping review of the literature identified 15 reports of orbital CE in children, most of them from endemic countries. CONCLUSION: CE should be considered in children presenting with cystic lesions and a history of migration from endemic areas. Early involvement of a CE reference center is essential to prevent complications and to optimize management.