Cerebral Hydatid Cyst with Intraventricular Extension: A Case Report

Primary cerebral hydatid cyst with orbital extension: A case report

Hydatid cyst, which is caused by the cestode echinococcus granulosus, is endemic in many countries around the world. Despite the frequency of this disease, no previous case of cerebral hydatid cyst with orbital extension has been reported, demonstrating the scarcity of this presentation. Cerebral hydatid cyst may be primary or secondary. Given to the nonspecifity of the clinical symptoms, cross sectional imaging, including CT and MRI, play an important role in the diagnosis by ruling out differential diagnoses, which are represented essentially by neoplastic and nonneoplastic intraparenchymal cysts as well as brain abscesses. Surgery remains the cornerstone treatment for cerebral and orbital hydatid cyst. In this article, we present the imaging findings of a patient with a primary cerebral hydatid cyst with orbital extension, and also the radiological features that could eliminate other differential diagnoses.

Giant cerebral hydatid cyst with intraventricular extension: A rare case report with imaging findings

Hydatid cyst is the condition caused by larvae of the parasite Echinococcus granulosus, usually involving the liver, lung, and spleen. Involvement of the cerebrum with a hydatid cyst is a rare entity, comprising 2%-3% of all cases of hydatidosis. Intraventricular extension of cerebral hydatid cysts occurs in only a limited percentage of cases. Cerebral hydatid cysts can present with nonspecific symptoms, usually with features of raised intracranial pressure. Therefore, it is crucial to consider cerebral hydatid cysts as a potential diagnosis, especially in pediatric patients with nonspecific neurological symptoms, particularly those from areas endemic to the parasite. We report a case of a 9-year-old girl who presented with progressive headache and vomiting, with imaging findings suggestive of a giant hydatid cyst in the brain. She was managed surgically with a good outcome.

Hydatid disease of central nervous system, a clinicopathological study of 33 cases

Objectives

Involvement of central nervous system (CNS) by Hydatid cyst is rare comprising 0.5-4% of all hydatid cysts and principally affecting those younger than 20 years, giving rise to cystic masses mostly in the cerebral hemispheres. To report the clinicopathological findings of CNS hydatid cysts, we diagnosed and review the findings of the previous studies.

Materials and Methods

All cases reported in our Section between January 1, 2001, and June 30, 2022, were included in the study. By searching our files, cases were retrieved, and diagnosis was confirmed. Follow-up was received on telephone. Ethical exemption was obtained.

Results

Thirty-three cases were diagnosed. Almost all were received from rural areas. There were 17 females and 16 males. Mean and median age were 20 and 19 years, respectively. Over 60% were younger than 20 years of age. All 33 involved the cerebral and cerebellar hemispheres. Seventy six percent were supratentorial while 24% were infratentorial. The most common signs and symptoms included weakness, headaches, and seizures. All appeared as solitary cystic masses on imaging. Almost 67% were clinically suspected to be hydatid cysts. Grossly, thin-walled transparent unilocular or multilocular cysts filled with viscous material were received intact in 52% and in multiple pieces in 48% cases. Intact cysts measured 7 cm on average. All demonstrated typical histology. Of the nine patients whose follow-up was available, one died from unspecified acute surgery related complications. Four patients were asymptomatic at the time of follow-up, whereas four developed recurrent cysts. All eight received albendazole therapy.

Conclusion

Cerebellum/posterior fossa location was common. Several cases were received in multiple pieces with increased risk of recurrence. Clinicopathological features were similar to those reported in literature. This series will hopefully serve to increase awareness regarding CNS hydatid disease.

Hydatid cyst in the third ventricle of the brain: case report of an exceptionally rare condition

Hydatid disease is an endemic zoonotic disease caused by the cestode Echinococcus multilocularis and Echinococcus granulosus. Intra-ventricular hydatid cysts are extremely rare. Even more rarely, and to the best of our knowledge, only three cases of third ventricle involvement have been reported. Herein, we present the fourth case of an intraventricular hydatid cyst in a pediatric patient located in the third ventricle. It is about a 7-year-old girl, of a rural origin, admitted for intracranial hypertension, deterioration of the general status, and weakness on the right side of her body. A cerebral magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed the presence of a rounded cystic formation in the third ventricle. The patient was operated through a transfrontal transventricular approach, and the cyst was removed. Postoperative course was uneventful. Hydatid disease should be considered part of the differential diagnosis for cystic lesions of the central nervous system, especially in endemic regions. Total removal of the cysts without rupture is a challenge, but best treatment remains an active nationwide prevention.