Spinal hydatid disease: a case report - an uncommon differential diagnosis in LMICs

With a 0.2-1% incidence, spinal hydatid disease is a very uncommon diagnosis. While it is uncommon in affluent nations, it should be taken into account when making a differential diagnosis for spinal cord compression syndrome, particularly in regions where it is prevalent.

The authors report a case of hydatid illness of the spine. A 52-year-old man presented with lower extremity discomfort and spastic paraparesis, trouble urinating, and back pain and edema. He had at the level of the 12th thoracic to third lumbar vertebrae (Th12-L3) with paraspinal extension. The patient was treated with 4 months of antiparasitic therapy and two surgical resections performed by general surgeons. Histological analysis showed pieces of fibrous tissue exhibiting granulomatous inflammation; however, no evidence of acid-resistant bacteria or PAS-positive chitin membrane was found. The existence of bacteria following therapy has not been confirmed by the parasitological investigation of the lesions.

Primary spinal hydrodatidosis is a rare condition that affects about 0.2-1% of the population.

Due to the rarity of this disease, early discovery and timely treatment are critical, and this diagnosis should be considered when generating a differential diagnosis for spinal cord compression syndrome.