Primary extradural hydatid cyst associated with nephrotic syndrome in a pediatric patient

Primary intracranial extradural hydatid cyst is a very rare entity. Overlying bony erosion and extension of an extradural hydatid cyst into the scalp has never been described in literature. Association of nephrotic syndrome is described in pulmonary and hepatic hydatid cysts, but never reported in intracranial hydatidosis.

We report a 6-year-old girl with primary extradural hydatid cyst having unusual radiological features. The child initially presented with features of nephrotic syndrome. Steroid therapy failed to achieve complete remission of the nephrotic syndrome, which was later abolished by cyst removal and albendazole therapy.

Because of the very slow increase in the volume of the extradural hydatid cyst, intensification of symptoms may also be very slow. Sometimes, the cyst may already be very large at the time of the diagnosis. The hydatid disease should be considered in the etiology of nephrotic syndrome especially in the endemic zones.