[Cerebral hydatic cyst and psychiatric disorders. Two cases]

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Infectious Diseases
• Psychiatry

Background:

• Hydatidosis is endemic in several regions, with the liver and lungs being common sites for hydatid cysts.
• Intracranial hydatid cysts are rare, accounting for 1-5% of all hydatidosis cases, and often present with neurological or psychiatric symptoms.

Observation:

• Two cases of patients presenting with isolated psychiatric disorders were diagnosed with cerebral hydatid cysts.
• Case 1: A 29-year-old male with schizophrenia-like symptoms, later found to have a single large cyst compressing the brainstem.
• Case 2: A 53-year-old male with agitation and persecutory delusions, diagnosed with multiple cerebral cysts and other systemic hydatid involvement.

Findings:

• Surgical intervention for cerebral hydatid cysts led to favorable outcomes, with resolution of psychiatric and neurological symptoms.
• The study highlights the potential for cerebral hydatid cysts to manifest initially as psychiatric disturbances.

Implications:

• Cerebral hydatidosis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of unexplained psychiatric symptoms, especially in endemic areas.
• Prompt diagnosis and surgical management are crucial for improving patient outcomes and preventing long-term neurological and psychiatric sequelae.