Primary cerebral echinococcosis presenting as long-standing generalized weakness

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Infectious Diseases
• Parasitology

Background:

• Echinococcosis is a parasitic zoonosis caused by tapeworms of the genus Echinococcus.
• Typically, echinococcosis affects the liver and lungs, with primary cerebral involvement being exceptionally rare.
• The disease can remain latent for years, complicating diagnosis.

Observation:

• A case report of an unusual presentation of echinococcosis is presented.
• The patient, an immigrant from rural South India, exhibited progressive weakness and aphasia.
• The sole identifiable lesion was a slowly growing intracranial hydatid cyst, with no hepatic involvement detected.

Findings:

• The intracranial hydatid cyst was the only manifestation of echinococcosis.
• Clinical, anatomical, and hematological data showed a correlation over time.
• This case underscores the diagnostic challenge of latent parasitic infections.

Implications:

• Hydatid cyst disease should be included in the differential diagnosis for patients presenting with long-standing neurological symptoms.
• Consideration of geographic origin and potential exposure in endemic areas is crucial for diagnosing rare presentations of echinococcosis.
• This case expands the understanding of the clinical spectrum of echinococcosis.