Abstract
Intracranial hydatid disease is a parasitic infection that affects children in endemic areas such as the Mediterranean, South America, and Australia. In non-endemic areas, it is rare and may pose a diagnostic dilemma. We review a boy who presented with a right cerebral cyst. All investigations were negative, and hydatid cyst was encountered upon intra-operative exploration. We review the available diagnostic modalities, and the difficulty in reaching a preoperative diagnosis. We also review the surgical and medical treatment strategies. A cerebral hydatid cyst should be considered in children with cystic brain lesions even in non-endemic areas. Since serologic tests are frequently negative, the most reliable methods in reaching a diagnosis are radiological evaluation and histopathological examination. The cyst has a typical appearance on CT and MRI and this bears special importance on the treatment strategy where the cyst is best removed intact to avoid recurrence or anaphylaxis.
Article Type
Case Report
First Page
249
Last Page
252
Recommended Citation
Najjar, Marwan W.; Rajab, Yasser; and El-Beheiri, Yehyia
(2007)
"Intracranial hydatid cyst. Dilemma in diagnosis and management,"
Neurosciences: Vol. 12:
Iss.
3, Article 13.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.17712/1658-3183.1515