Clinical profile, imaging characteristics, and operative outcomes of pediatric cystic echinococcosis in Northern Jordan: a single-center retrospective study

Background Cystic echinococcosis is a zoonotic parasitic disease with heterogeneous presentation and stage-conscious management. Data describing the clinical profile, imaging pathways, management patterns, and outcomes of pediatric cases in Jordan remain limited. Methods We retrospectively reviewed 41 patients (0–13 years) with radiologically confirmed hydatid cysts treated between March 2022 and May 2025. Diagnosis was established using abdominal ultrasound and/or computed tomography (CT), and cysts were staged according to the Gharbi and WHO criteria. Forty patients underwent open cyst deroofing combined with albendazole (15–20 mg/kg/day; one preoperative course and six months post-operatively), whereas one received medical therapy alone. Collected variables included demographics, exposure history, cyst location and stage, operative metrics (duration and blood loss), length of stay, postoperative complications, and recurrence during follow-up (median 12 months). Results The mean age was 9.3 ± 3.1 years; 56% were female, and 76% reported domestic animal contact. Liver involvement was most common (56%), followed by lung (39%); 90% had single-organ disease. Type III cysts predominated (37%). The mean operative time was 105 ± 24 min, and the mean hospital stay was 6 ± 3 days. Postoperative complications occurred in 34% (pneumonia 15% and intra-abdominal collections 10%). Recurrence during follow-up (median 12 months) was 4.9%.No demographic or exposure factors significantly predicted complications or recurrence ( p > 0.05). Conclusions Open deroofing plus albendazole in Northern Jordanian children was associated with low recurrence and acceptable morbidity. Expanded ultrasound screening, community zoonosis education, and WHO-aligned protocols are needed.