Multiple Primary Bilateral Cerebral Echinococcosis in an Adult: A Neurological Rarity

Although cases of intracranial hydatid cysts are commonly encountered, majority of them are secondary and are seen in children. Primary bilateral multiple intracranial hydatid cysts in adults are a neurological rarity. Intracranial involvement usually occurs following infestation of the other organs in the body by the pathogen. Multiple lesions in brain can manifest either following rupture of a single parent cyst in brain or by systemic dissemination from other organs. Here, we are presenting an adult patient who underwent successful surgical removal of multiple primary hydatid cysts of brain. A 47-year-old male patient presented with features of raised intracranial pressure and other focal deficits. Magnetic resonance imaging showed multiple cystic lesions on both sides of the cerebrum. Similar primary lesions elsewhere in the body were ruled out by other investigations. He underwent successful surgical removal of all the lesions. Intraoperative picture and histology were suggestive of hydatid cyst. In published literature, there are very few cases similar to ours. Echinococcosis should be considered as a differential diagnosis in multiple cystic lesions of the brain in endemic areas. Early diagnosis, proper surgical technique, and standard antihelminthic drug regimen are the key to achieve good outcome in these patients.