Primary supratentorial extradural hydatid cyst of the brain

Hydatidosis is a parasitic infestation caused by the larva of the cestode Echinococcus granulosus. It is a zoonotic disease, with humans serving as accidental intermediate hosts, often affecting pediatric populations. The most common clinical presentations involve the liver and lungs, with cerebral hydatidosis being extremely rare. Imaging typically reveals single cystic lesions, usually unilocular and intraaxial. Extradural hydatid cysts, whether primary or secondary, are exceedingly rare. This report discusses a pediatric primary osteolytic extradural hydatid cyst of brain.

A 10-year-old Yemeni male from a rural area presented with progressive headache, left hemiparesis, and right parietal soft swelling. Imaging, surgical, and histopathological findings are reviewed, highlighting the rarity of this condition in the pediatric population.

Extradural hydatid cysts, whether primary or secondary are very rare and even very rare in children.

In most cases, cerebral hydatid cysts are primary. Intracranial extradural localization of a hydatid cyst is very rare. The clinical features of cerebral hydatid cysts are closely related to their location. Because of the very slow increase in size and volume of the cyst, the intensification of symptoms may also be very slow. Timely diagnosis and proper treatments leads to cure of the disease.