Progressive compressive myelopathy induced by a rare primary isolated thoracic vertebral hydatid cyst: A case report

Hydatid cyst is a disease caused by the larvae of Echinococcus spp. The larvae often reside in the liver, lungs, and brain. Occasionally, a primary isolated thoracic vertebral hydatid cyst is reported to cause severe complications. Various diseases may lead to the development of progressive compressive myelopathy. Herein, we report a rare case of a primary isolated thoracic vertebral hydatid cyst with compressive myelopathy.

A 57-year-old female had numbness and weakness in the lower limbs for a span of 3-months.

Thoracic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed that an isolated mass was observed in the T5 vertebral body, which compressed the spinal cord. The diagnosis was confirmed after surgical excision, and Echinococcus granulosus was found to be the etiologic factor.

The patient underwent laminectomy with no complications.

After surgical decompression, the patient made slow and measurable progress. While relatively rare in the non-pastoral area, the primary isolated thoracic vertebral column hydatid cyst may be considered as a possible etiology of atypical extradural spinal compression.

This case illustrates the complexity of spinal echinococcosis manifestations and the necessity of an interdisciplinary approach.