RESUMO
OBJECTIVE: A maxillofacial location of a hydatid cyst is rare, accounting 2% of cases. The purpose of this study was to review clinical and radiological features by emphasizing diagnostic difficulties. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two observations of hydatid cyst with a maxillofacial location are presented. Two cases were investigated by panoramic dental radiography, an ultrasound and CT scan. MRI was done in one case. RESULTS: The first observation reports a 23-year-old woman who consulted for jugal tumefaction with pharyngeal extension evolving in spurts. The second observation was a 16-year-old girl, which consulted for a genian and masseter tumefaction with a tight trismus. In both cases, the imaging studies suggested the diagnosis of the hydatid cyst confirmed by the anatomopathologic exam. CONCLUSION: The hydatid cyst is an endemic parasitic pathology involving most often the lung and the liver. The maxillofacial location is exceptional. In cases of a cyst mass in an endemic zone, the diagnosis of the hydatid cyst must be entertained. CT scan and MRI provided a complete lesion workup. Treatment is surgical.