Spinal hydatid cyst with myelopathy: a rare case report

Area of Science:

• Neurosurgery
• Infectious Diseases
• Radiology

Background:

• Spinal extradural cysts can cause neurological deficits.
• Spinal arachnoid cysts are common benign causes.
• Hydatid cysts are rare but serious parasitic infections.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a case of spinal hydatid cyst misdiagnosed as an arachnoid cyst.
• To emphasize the importance of considering hydatid disease in spinal pathologies.
• To highlight diagnostic and management strategies for spinal hydatid cysts.

Main Methods:

• Case presentation of a 23-year-old female with spinal cord compression.
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings suggestive of an arachnoid cyst.
• Surgical excision and histopathological examination.
• Review of diagnostic and management protocols for spinal hydatid disease.

Main Results:

• Surgical findings revealed a spinal hydatid cyst, not an arachnoid cyst.
• The patient experienced short-term neurological improvement after surgical excision and pharmacotherapy.
• No preoperative diagnosis of hydatid cyst was made.

Conclusions:

• Spinal hydatid cyst should be considered in the differential diagnosis of spinal extradural cysts.
• Preoperative serology and transmission risk assessment are vital for identifying hydatid disease.
• Long-term follow-up including imaging and serological testing is essential for early detection of recurrence.