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A Large Hydatid Cyst in the Brain of a 10-year Child
Muhammad Ashraf1, Shakeel Ahmed1, Shahryar Ahmad2
1Department of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Children's Hospital and Institute of Child Health, Multan, Pakistan.
Insights
A giant hydatid cyst in a child
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Parasitology
- Pediatric Surgery
Background:
- Hydatid cyst is the larval form of Echinococcus granulosus.
- Cerebral hydatid cysts are rare, particularly in children.
Observation:
- A 10-year-old boy presented with headache, vomiting, vertigo, and difficulty walking.
- Examination revealed right-sided hemiparesis and left-sided papilledema.
- CT scan identified a large extra-axial cystic lesion in the left frontotemporoparietal region.
Findings:
- Surgical excision of the giant cerebral hydatid cyst was successfully performed using hydro-dissection.
- The patient experienced an uneventful recovery and received a one-month postoperative course of albendazole.
- A three-month follow-up CT scan confirmed complete resolution of the hydatid cyst.
Implications:
- This case highlights the successful surgical management of a rare giant cerebral hydatid cyst in a pediatric patient.
- Effective treatment involves surgical intervention combined with antiparasitic medication.
- Complete resolution can be achieved with timely diagnosis and appropriate management.
Abstract:
Hydatid cyst is the larval form of the parasite, echinococcus granulosus. We operated upon a case of a giant hydatid cyst in the left cerebral hemisphere of a 10-year male child. The patient presented to us with a history of headache, vomiting, vertigo and difficulty in walking. On the examination, there was hemiparesis on the right side and left-sided papilledema. The CT scan showed a large extra-axial cystic lesion in the left frontotemporoparietal area. Craniotomy and excision of the cyst by hydro-dissection was performed. The patient recovered uneventfully and was discharged. Albendazole was given postoperatively for a period of one month. The follow-up CT scan, performed after three months, showed complete resolution of the disease. Key Words: Hydatid cyst, Echinococcus granulosus, Brain, Children.
