[Vertebral primary hydatid cyst with mediastinal involvement and paraplegia]

The vertebrae are the most common localization of hydatid disease of bone. This can lead to fatal consequences.

We report the case of a 40-year-old-man, from a rural area, who had symptoms of medullary compression. The diagnosis of primary vertebral hydatid cyst, already suspected on the imaging data, was confirmed. A right posterolateral thoracotomy allowed drainage of the cyst and relief of the medullary compression. Medical treatment with albendazole was continued for 4 months. The postoperative course was uneventful and the symptoms of medullary compression resolved progressively. No recurrence was observed during a follow-up of 24 months.

Vertebral localization of hydatid disease is the most common and serious skeletal complication. Thoracotomy allows drainage of the cyst and the pleural cavity, and relieves the medullary compression.