[Echinococcosis of the spinal canal]

Among various forms of echinococcosis its location in the spinal canal and bone marrow affection are the rarest. Intravital diagnosis is complicated. As a rule, the disease manifests primarily with radicular syndrome followed by marrow compression, asymmetric compression of the roots of cauda equina and pelvic disfunction. The cerebrospinal fluid becomes xanthochromic with hyperalbuminosis and albuminocytologic dissociation. Myelography shows filling defect. Spinal x-ray examination detects specific changes of the vertebra and ossification foci. Unfavorable epidemiological situation may be indicative of probable infection and prompt a valid diagnosis. Surgery is advocated as the only adequate treatment.