Radiological Patterns and Epidemiology of Liver Hydatid Cysts: A 19-Year Retrospective Study at a Tertiary Center in Sana’a, Yemen (2004-2023)

Background Liver hydatid cysts, caused by Echinococcus granulosus , are a major public health concern in endemic regions such as Yemen. Understanding their prevalence, radiological patterns, and sociodemographic characteristics is crucial for effective disease management. Methods This retrospective study analyzed the medical records of 835 patients diagnosed with hydatid liver cysts at Al-Thawra Modern General Hospital, Sana’a, Yemen, between 2004 and 2023. Data on patient demographics, cyst characteristics, WHO classification, and complications were collected from computed tomography (CT) reports and analyzed using SPSS version 26. Results The patients (66.47% female, median age 35 years) had 1,669 cysts, which were predominantly solitary (67%) and located in the right lobe (50.06%). CE1 (38.56%) and CE3 (34.02%) were the most common classifications. The complications included mass effect (38%), intrabiliary rupture (4%), and intraperitoneal rupture (1.4%), with an annual mean of 44 cases. Conclusions The high prevalence, especially among young females, underscores the need for improved hygiene, standardized CT use, and a national registry to control this disease in Yemen.