Primary cerebral echinoccocosis in a child: Case report - Surgical technique, technical pitfalls, and video atlas

Hydatid disease is a life-threatening parasitic infestation caused by Echinococcus granulosus. Infection with E. granulosus typically results in the formation of hydatid cysts in the liver, lungs, kidney, and spleen. Primary intracranial hydatid cyst disease is extremely rare. Here, we are reporting an unusual case of Echinococcus, where the only identifiable lesion was a hydatid cyst in the brain without liver or lung involvement. We are also providing a description for the surgical technique used to remove the cyst, highlighting the possible surgical pitfalls.

The patient is a 13-year-old male with a history of progressive headache for 1 month. Intracranial hydatid cyst was suspected based on computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging findings. The cyst was delivered without rupture using hydrostatic dissection (Dowling's technique), and pathological analysis confirmed the diagnosis. Postoperatively, the patient showed marked neurological improvement and all signs and symptoms resolved.

Intracranial hydatid cyst is very rare. Nevertheless, it should always be considered as a differential diagnosis in cerebral cystic lesions, especially in children. The surgical technique used to remove the cyst appears to be safe. However, several precautions must be applied intraoperatively to avoid the catastrophe of cyst rupture.