[Pelvic hydatic echinococcosis in women in the maternity ward at the Habib Thameur University Hospital. Apropos of 5 cases (1978-1982)].

We report 5 cases of pelvic hydatic cysts in women seen between 1978 and 1982. Hydatic disease is endemic in Tunisia, in spite of attempts to eliminate it, and these attempts are being improved. The plague persists because of certain inbuilt customs and because sheep are normally raised by small-scale production methods. The incidence of pelvic hydatic cyst disease is 2% of pelvic tumours seen in our maternity department over 5 years. The diagnosis was made easily preoperatively in only 2 cases, and it was in those 2 cases because of a previous history of hydatid disease. Ultrasound and electrosyneretic testing for hydatid cyst confirm the diagnosis. In the other cases the diagnosis was only made during the operation. In only one case had hysterosalpingography shown an impression on the right side of the uterus and a displaced right tube. The treatment must be surgical; and the outlook is good, except in one case where there was a recurrence. Post-operative follow-up consists of pelvic ultrasound and electro-syneresis as well as a general supervision of the patient's general state of health. At present we are accustomed to thinking of hydatid cysts when confronted with a pelvic tumour in a woman who comes from a region where the condition is endemic, whether she has or does not have any previous history of hydatid disease. The diagnosis is confirmed by ultrasound and electrosyneresis. Prophylaxis is always worthwhile.