Growth of multiple hydatid cysts evaluated by computed tomography

Area of Science:

• Medicine
• Parasitology
• Radiology

Background:

• Hydatid cysts are parasitic infections caused by Echinococcus tapeworms.
• Intracerebral hemorrhage can be a rare initial presentation of hydatid disease.
• Embolic spread of hydatid cysts can lead to multiple lesions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a rare case of multiple embolic hydatid cysts.
• To illustrate the diagnostic challenges in identifying hydatid cysts initially presenting as intracerebral hemorrhage.
• To document the growth rate of hydatid cysts in the brain.

Main Methods:

• Case report of a patient with intracerebral hemorrhage.
• Review of computed tomography (CT) scans for initial diagnosis and follow-up.
• Analysis of lesion progression over a 14-month period.

Main Results:

• Initial CT scans revealed intracerebral hemorrhage with no identifiable cystic lesions.
• Follow-up CT scans after 14 months showed multiple hydatid cysts.
• The largest hydatid cyst measured approximately 6 cm in diameter.
• Estimated growth rate of the largest cyst was 5 cm per year.

Conclusions:

• Multiple hydatid cysts can arise from an embolic source, such as a left atrial cyst.
• Delayed diagnosis of hydatid cysts is possible when presenting initially as intracerebral hemorrhage.
• Aggressive growth of cerebral hydatid cysts necessitates prompt diagnosis and management.