[Renal hydatidosis: importance of preoperative diagnosis].

OBJECTIVE

We report on a patient who underwent a right nephrectomy for a mass suggesting hypernephroma, which was shown to be renal hydatid disease on pathological examination.

METHODS/RESULTS: The epidemiological, diagnostic and therapeutic aspects described in the literature are briefly reviewed.

CONCLUSIONS

Although uncommon, renal cystic lesions should be suspected in the presence of a renal mass and a differential diagnosis should be made. CT is the most useful diagnostic imaging technique. The importance of preoperative diagnosis for the surgical strategy is underscored.