Primary cerebral hydatid cyst in a pregnant woman: A case report

Hydatid cyst disease is a zoonotic parasitic disease. The most common pathogen behind the disease is Echinococcus granulosus. The liver and lungs are the most common sites to occur, while primary intracranial cysts rarely occur.

A 32-year-old female patient in the 17th week of pregnancy presented with a chief complaint of a frontal headache that started a month ago and intensified ten days ago, the patient is living in a rural region and herding sheep. Neurological examination showed slowly reacting pupils, dysarthria, and right-sided ptosis. The investigation was suggestive of a diagnosis of hydatid cysts. Emergent surgery was performed and the cyst was removed. The clinical condition was followed up and she gave birth by cesarean section.

The hydatid cyst is a differential diagnosis of any cystic lesion in endemic regions to echinococcosis. MRI is the main investigation. The treatment of cerebral hydatid cysts is both medical and surgical. Surgical treatment should be considered whenever possible. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are crucial, considering that pregnancy can influence the available treatment options.

Here we report a successful treatment of cerebral hydatid cyst during pregnancy. The incidence of cerebral hydatid cysts during pregnancy is extremely low, and there is a lack of documentation on this condition.