Liver Hydatid Cyst Masquerading as a Liver Abscess

Hydatid cyst of the liver is a rare zoonotic disease in the United States. It is caused by Echinococcus granulosus. This disease is mainly seen among immigrants from countries where this parasite is endemic. Differential diagnoses of such lesions can include pyogenic or amebic abscesses, in addition to other benign or malignant lesions. We report the case of a 47-year-old woman who presented with symptoms of abdominal pain and was diagnosed with a hydatid cyst of the liver masquerading as a liver abscess. Microscopic and parasitological tests confirmed this diagnosis. The patient was treated and discharged without further complications during follow-up.