Temporoparietal Brain Hydatid Cyst in an Eight-Year-Old Child: A Rare Case Report

Gashaw Arega1, Gelassa Merga1, Getu Tafa1

  • 1Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, School of Medicine, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Insights

Brain hydatidosis, caused by Echinococcus granulosus, is rare in children. This case highlights the diagnosis and successful surgical removal of a temporoparietal brain hydatid cyst in an 8-year-old girl.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Neurology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Radiology

Background:

  • Hydatidosis, a parasitic infection by Echinococcus granulosus, commonly affects the liver and lungs in children globally.
  • Intracranial hydatidosis is an exceptionally rare presentation in pediatric patients, often with nonspecific clinical signs.

Observation:

  • An 8-year-old female presented with a right temporoparietal brain hydatid cyst.
  • Brain MRI revealed a thin-walled cystic lesion with mass effect and midline shift, lacking abnormal enhancement or surrounding edema.

Findings:

  • Radiological diagnosis of a temporoparietal brain hydatid cyst was confirmed by histopathological examination.
  • Histology showed a laminated acellular cyst wall with a germinal layer, but no protoscolices.

Implications:

  • Complete surgical excision of brain hydatid cysts is crucial for successful treatment in children.
  • Prompt diagnosis and management, including postoperative albendazole therapy, lead to favorable outcomes in pediatric brain hydatidosis.