Hydatid disease of the ribs: a diagnostic challenge with an endless differential diagnosis - a case report.

Hydatid disease is a parasitic infection in humans caused by Echinococcusgranulosus and can lead to tissue cyst formation anywhere in the body. The most common sites for the development of parasitic cysts are the liver (75%) and lungs (15%). Skeletal involvement in echinococcal infection is relatively rare, occurring in only 1%-4% of cases. Few reports in the available medical literature describe rib hydatidosis, which clinically mimics benign or malignant cystic tumors.