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Primary Posterior Fossa Hydatid Cyst in a Child
Anas Said1, Bashar Abuzayed, Hussein Al-Abadi
1Department of Neurosurgery, Al-Bashir Governmental Hospital. Amman, Jordan.
Insights
A pediatric case of a cerebellar hydatid cyst presenting with neurological symptoms was successfully treated. Surgical removal and antiparasitic medication resolved the patient's condition.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Pediatric Neurosurgery
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Cerebellar hydatid cysts are rare in children, often presenting with non-specific neurological symptoms.
- Early diagnosis and prompt intervention are crucial for favorable outcomes.
Observation:
- A 7-year-old boy presented with headache, nausea, vomiting, ataxia, and diplopia.
- Neurological examination revealed papilledema and ataxic gait.
- Brain imaging (CT/MRI) identified a cystic lesion in the left cerebellum causing mass effect and hydrocephalus.
Findings:
- The lesion was surgically excised with an intact capsule.
- Histopathology confirmed a hydatid cyst.
- The patient experienced complete symptom resolution postoperatively.
Implications:
- This case highlights the importance of considering parasitic infections in pediatric neurological presentations.
- Successful management involves a combination of medical (Albendazole) and surgical treatment.
- Prompt surgical intervention for cerebellar hydatid cysts can lead to excellent patient recovery.
Abstract:
A 7-year-old boy referred to our emergency department complaining of headache, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, generalized fatigue, ataxia and diplopia. Neurological exam showed bilateral papilledema and ataxic gait. Routine blood test, plain chest x-ray and abdominal ultrasonography were normal. Brain computed tomography (CT) scan and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed well-defined intra-axial unilocular cystic lesion in the left cerebellar hemisphere, causing mass effect on brain stem and fourth ventricle with associated tonsillar herniation and mild obstructive hydrocephalus. The authors started the treatment with Albendazole and the patient was operated with left sub-occipital craniotomy. Cyst was delivered with intact capsule. Postoperative period was uneventful and patient's symptoms improved totally after 1 week. Histopathologic examination confirmed the diagnosis of hydatid cyst.
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