Hydatid disease of the spine

Spinal hydatid cyst was diagnosed in four patients, aged between 21 and 35 years, three male and one female between 1983 and 1993. In three patients, the cysts were epidural and in one intra-vertebral. All patients presented with symptoms of spinal cord compression. Surgical treatment was performed in all of the patients. One patient who relapsed showed evidence of cure after a second operation, and was given mebendazole (Vermox). Histological examination was performed in all of the patients.