Brain hydatidosis: report on 117 cases

A ten-year evaluation of central nervous system cystic echinococcosis in a highly endemic area of Iran: Molecular epidemiology and clinicopathological characteristics

Cystic echinococcosis can involve various organs in humans with the brain and spine being particularly vulnerable. This research aimed to study clinicopathological features and molecular analysis of the central nervous system (CNS) echinococcosis cases in a central hospital for hydatid cyst surgery in northeastern Iran. CNS echinococcosis cases from surgically managed human CE cases at Ghaem hospital in northeastern Iran were analyzed from 2012 to 2022. Demographic and clinicopathological data were collected for CNS echinococcosis cases and formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) blocks were used for molecular analysis. The total prevalence of CNS echinococcosis cases was 1. 8 %. Most of the CE cases were reported in women (64. 7 %) and from rural areas (58. 8 %). The highest number of cases (41. 2 %) were aged ≤18 years, with majority being ranchers (47. 1 %). Thirteen cases (76.5 %) were found to have cysts in their brain, particularly in the supratentorial site. Headache was the most commonly reported sign in cases (9/13, 69.2 %). Infiltration of eosinophils, polymorphic inflammatory cells, and giant cells, gliosis, and foreign body granulomatous reaction, along with mild infiltration of mononuclear cells showing degeneration and necrotic foci in the brain infections. Spine infections included bone cartilage, ligaments, and hydatid cyst wall fragments. PCR analysis conducted on 17 samples revealed the presence of 13 isolates of E. granulosus sensu lato. Among these, 11 were classified within the E. granulosus sensu stricto (G1 and/or G3) complex, while 2 isolates were identified as belonging to the E. canadensis G6/G7. Cerebrospinal infection is a significant aspect of CE cases in northcentral Iran, with a higher prevalence among women and in rural areas. Children were the most affected age group, with the E. granulosus s.s. genotypes being the most common.

A case of pediatric primary osteolytic extradural and complicated hydatid cyst revealed by a skull vault swelling

Hydatidosis is a parasitic infestation whose etiological agent is the larva of the cestode Echinococcus granulosus. It is a zoonosis, and the human being behaves as an accidental intermediate host in the parasitic cycle with pediatric predominance. The most frequent clinical presentation is hepatic, followed by pulmonary, with cerebral hydatidosis being extremely rare. Imaging is characteristic, generally dealing with single cystic lesion, usually unilocular and less frequently multilocular, located mainly intraaxially. Extradural hydatid cyst, whether primary or secondary, remains very rare or even exceptional. The primary disease remains extremely rare, and its clinical picture is related to the number, size, and location of the lesions. Infection within these cerebral hydatid cysts remains an extremely rare occurrence, and only few cases were reported previously in the literature. The authors report the nosological review of the clinical, imaging, surgical, and histopathological records of a pediatric primary osteolytic extradural and complicated hydatid cyst in a 5-year-old North African male patient coming from a rural area who presented for progressive onset of a painless left parieto-occipital soft swelling without any neurological disorder with good outcomes after surgery. The authors report this case due the fact that it had not been documented before in the pediatric population and to the success of the specialized treatment.

Central nervous system hydatidosis around the world: a systematic review

INTRODUCTION

Echinococcosis is a chronic disease caused by Echinococcus species. The central nervous system (CNS) hydatidosis is still a major concern, especially in endemic countries, due to non-specific features and late diagnosis and treatment. This study aimed to provide a systematic review to elucidate the epidemiology and clinical characteristics of CNS hydatidosis worldwide over the past decades.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

PubMed, Scopus, EMBASE, Web of Science, Ovid, and Google Scholar were systematically searched. The gray literature and the references of included studies were searched as well.

EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS

Our results showed that the CNS hydatid cyst was more prevalent in the male gender, and it is known as a recurrent disease with a rate of 26.5%. CNS hydatidosis was more common in the supratentorial region and was also significantly common in developing countries, including Türkiye and Iran.

CONCLUSIONS

It was demonstrated that the disease would be more prevalent in developing countries. Also, there would be a trend toward a male predominance of CNS hydatid cyst, younger age involvement, and the recurrence rate of 25% in general. There is no consensus about chemotherapy unless in recurrent disease and the patients who experienced cyst rupture intraoperatively, recommended for a wide range of 3 to 12 months.

Primary cerebral cystic echinococcosis in a child from Roman countryside: Source attribution and scoping review of cases from the literature

BACKGROUND

Human cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a zoonotic parasitic infection caused by the larval stage of the species belonging to the Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato (s.l.) complex. Parasitic cysts causing human CE are mainly localized in the liver and in the lungs. In a smaller number of cases, larvae may establish in any organ or tissue, including the central nervous system (CNS). Cerebral CE (CCE) is rare but poses serious clinical challenges.

METHODS

This study presents a case of CCE in a child living in the countryside near Rome (Italy), along with a comparative molecular analysis of the isolated cyst specimens from the patient and sheep of local farms. We also systematically searched the literature to summarize the most relevant epidemiological and clinical aspects of this uncommon localization.

FINDINGS

The comparative molecular analysis confirmed that the infection was caused by E. granulosus sensu stricto (s.s.) (G3 genotype), and most likely acquired in the family farm. The literature search identified 2,238 cases of CCE. In 80.51% of cases, brain was the only localization and single CCE cysts were present in 84.07% of cases. Mean patients' age was 20 years and 70.46% were children. Cyst rupture was reported in 12.96% and recurrence of CCE after treatment in 9.61% of cases. Permanent disability was reported in 7.86% of cases, while death occurred in 6.21%. In case series reporting all CE localization, CCE represented 1.5% of all CE cases. In the few reports that identified at molecular level the CCE cyst, E. granulosus s.s. was found in 40% and E. canadensis in 60% of cases.

CONCLUSIONS

We report a rare case of CCE and evidenced the probable local origin of infection. The proportions of CE cases with uncommon localizations and with high impact on patients' lives have been globally neglected and should be included in the computation of the global burden of CE.

Giant hydatid cyst of the brain: Intact cyst removal in 8-year-old child

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE

Cystic echinococcosis (hydatidosis) in humans is an infectious disease caused by tapeworms of Echinococcus genus. Brain involvement is rare. The best treatment is surgery and intact cyst removal is mandatory to prevent recurrence and possible anaphylactic reaction.

CASE PRESENTATION

An 8-year-old girl presented with a 1-month history of malaise, headache and vomiting. On Physical examinations, she was disoriented with bilateral papilledema. Brain CT scan and MRI revealed a well-defined cystic mass in left temporo-parieto-occipital region with considerable midline shift without perilesional edema. The patient was diagnosed with brain hydatid cyst and underwent surgical excision of the cyst without rupture.

CLINICAL DISCUSSION

Surgery is the most important part of intracranial hydatid cyst treatment, and surgeons should make every effort to remove them in toto without spillage. We hence decided to perform surgery and necessary precautions to prevent rupture and dissemination of hydatid were taken during the surgery.

CONCLUSION

A neurosurgeon has to bear in mind brain hydatid cyst in the differential diagnosis of cystic cerebral lesions especially in children from rural areas. The hydrodissection technique is the gold standard for the surgical treatment of cerebral hydatid cyst disease. It can also be effectively applied to the treatment of giant cerebral hydatid cyst disease without rupturing the cyst.

Hydatid disease of the brain and spine

Hydatid disease of the central nervous system is relatively rare and comprises about 2-3% of all the hydatid cyst cases reported in the world. Spinal hydatid disease is an even rarer entity. It is endemic in sheep and cattle-raising regions, seen mainly in Mediterranean countries including Turkey and Syria. Pediatric neurosurgeons in non-endemic countries face a challenge when they encounter children with hydatid cysts of the central nervous system, mostly due to lack of awareness and the ensuing diagnostic dilemmas. It is also a significant socioeconomic problem in developing countries, due to improper hygiene and lack of dedicated veterinary practice. The clinical features are largely nonspecific and very according to location and severity of disease. However, with the advent of advances in MR imaging, the diagnostic accuracy of hydatic disease involving the brain and spine has increased. Intact removal of the cyst/s, without causing any spillage, and appropriate antihelminthic therapy is the goal and key to cure and prevention of recurrence. In this manuscript, the current literature on hydatid cyst of the brain and spine is reviewed to better understand the epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnostic accuracy, and advances in therapeutic options. A heightened clinical suspicion, awareness of MR imaging features, improved surgical strategies, and options for prevention are discussed.

Hydatid cyst of papillary muscle concomitant with brain involvement

BACKGROUND

Cardiac hydatidosis is a rare disease and the subepicardial region of the left ventricular is commonly affected. However, papillary muscle concomitant with brain involvement has not been previously reported.

CASE

We report a 44 years old man who complained of headache along with no cardiac symptoms. The patient was diagnosed with cerebral hydatid cyst. Through preoperative cardiac consultant, transthoracic echocardiography revealed cardiac hydatid cyst confined to the anterolateral papillary muscle. Medical treatment was started promptly and successful surgical excision of all cysts was performed. The patient had an uneventful recovery and follow up at 3 months.

CONCLUSION

Early diagnosis of cardiac HC by echocardiography is recommended in all patients with hydatid disease, regardless of HC location.

Temporoparietal Brain Hydatid Cyst in an Eight-Year-Old Child: A Rare Case Report

Hydatidosis is a parasitic disease caused by Echinococcus granulosus, which affects children in many different parts of the world. It commonly affects the lungs and the liver of the children. Brain hydatidosis is an extremely rare clinical condition in the pediatric population, presenting with non-specific symptoms and signs. The diagnosis of intracranial hydatid cysts can be established by brain magnetic resonance imaging and histopathological examination of the specimen. Here, we report an 8-year-old female child diagnosed with a temporoparietal brain hydatid cyst. Brain magnetic resonance imaging showed a thin-walled cystic lesion located in the right temporoparietal lobe with significant mass effect and midline shift, with no abnormal wall or solid enhancement, and no surrounding edema. The diagnosis of brain temporoparietal hydatid cyst was made radiologically. The patient was operated on and the cyst was completely removed without rupture. The removed cyst was sent for histopathological examination; the histological sections showed a laminated acellular cyst wall with a nucleated germinal layer and no protoscolices, and the diagnosis of temporoparietal brain hydatid cyst was confirmed. The patient had a smooth postoperative course, started albendazole therapy, and was discharged with improvement.

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.

Diagnosis, treatment, and misdiagnosis analysis of 28 cases of central nervous system echinococcosis

BACKGROUND

To explore central nervous system (CNS) involvement in this disease, from the perspectives of diagnosis, treatment, and misdiagnosis METHODS: Twenty-eight patients with CNS echinococcosis were included in this retrospective study, including 18 males (64.3%) and 10 (35.7%) females. The average age of all the patients were 23.5 years (ranged 4-60 years). Twenty-three (23) patients (82.1%) received the first surgical resection in our hospital. Five (5) patients (17.9%) gave up surgical treatment for multiple-organ hydatidosis and previous surgery history at other hospitals, and albendazole was applied for a long-term (3-6 months) adjunct therapy for the 5 patients. The average follow-up time was 8 years.

RESULTS

For the 28 patients, 23 cases received surgical treatments, and the diagnosis was confirmed by pathological examinations. The diagnosis of 4 cases of brain echinococcosis and 2 cases of spinal cord echinococcosis could not be confirmed, resulting in a misdiagnosis rate of 21.4% (6/28). For the pathological examination, a total of 17 cases were infected with Echinococcus granulosus (including 2 cases of spinal cord echinococcosis), and 6 cases were infected with Echinococcus alveolaris.

CONCLUSION

The diagnosis should be specifically considered in endemic regions. The clinical features of CNS hydatidosis were intracranial space-occupying lesions. For the treatment, the surgical removal of cysts should be necessary. In addition, the adjuvant therapy with drug and intraoperative prophylaxis is also suggested. The misdiagnosis may have resulted from atypical clinical features and radiographic manifestations, as well as the accuracy of hydatid immunologic test.

Incidence and risk factors associated with the development of epilepsy in patients with intracranial alveolar echinococcosis

Parasitic infection remains a critical health problem in Ganzi Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of China. The association of epilepsy and intracranial alveolar echinococcosis (IAE) is still largely unclear. This study primarily aimed to assess both the incidence and possible risk factors of epilepsy in patients with IAE. According to the occurrence of seizures, patients were separated into two different groups consisting of patients with epilepsy and those without epilepsy. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify the potential risk factors associated with the development of epilepsy in patients with IAE. A total of 97 patients (42 women, 55 men; age 19-76 years) were enrolled. Epilepsy was observed in almost 20 % of patients with IAE. The use of anti-seizure medications was not standardized, as 83.3 % of female patients of childbearing age used sodium valproate. It was observed that cortical lesions (hazard ratio (HR) = 29.740, P = 0.006) were significantly associated with development of epilepsy. In addition, epilepsy had no significant effect on the overall survival rate of patients with IAE.

Clinical Features, Radiological Characteristics, and Outcomes of Patients With Intracranial Alveolar Echinococcosis: A Case Series From Tibetan Areas of Sichuan Province, China

Objectives: Intracranial alveolar echinococcosis (IAE), a zoonotic disease, is a critical health problem in the Tibetan region. We aimed to describe the clinical and radiological characteristics and outcomes among patients with IAE.

Methods: We screened patients diagnosed with IAE between March 2015 and May 2019 at the Ganzi Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture People's Hospital. Detailed demographics, clinical characteristics, neuroimaging features, and outcomes were recorded.

Results: A total of 21 patients with an average age of 44.1 ± 12.7 years were included. Thirteen (61.9%) patients were male. The most common chief neurological complaint was headache (n = 17, 81.0%), followed by dizziness, seizure, visual disturbances, hemiparesis, disturbed consciousness, and dysphasia. All the patients had coexisting liver localizations. The typical neuroimaging features of IAE on cerebral magnetic resonance imaging scans showed obvious low-signal shadow with multiple small vesicles inside the lesions on T2-weighted images and FLAIR images. The pathological HE staining demonstrates vesicular lesions with several internal sacs. For hepatic alveolar echinococcosis (AE), the hepatic portal was invaded in six (28.6%) patients, and the portal vein (n = 5, 23.8%) was the mostly commonly involved vessel. As for treatment, 11 patients (52.4%) had poor compliance with albendazole. The duration of patients taken albendazole ranged from 2 months to 3 years. Cerebral AE surgery was performed in 11 patients, five of them underwent partial resection of AE lesions, and six patients received total resection. One patient with primary IAE underwent radical surgery. Ten patients (47.6%) died during the follow-up for a mean of 21.7 ± 11.9 (3–46) months. In total, 28.9% of the patients died within 5 years, and 71.6% died within 10 years. The median interval between the date of diagnosis as AE and death was 84 (19–144) months.

Conclusion: Despite substantial advances in diagnostic and therapeutic methods, the treatment of IAE remains difficult and results in unsatisfactory outcomes. The major critical issue is surgical treatment of IAE although the disease is disseminated. Besides, lifelong albendazole would be indicated, but most patients had poor medication compliance. It is important to educate patients about the necessity of medical treatment.

Third ventricle hydatid cyst: A rare case report and review of the literature

A primary intraventricular hydatid cyst is a very rare phenomenon, which is mostly located in the lateral ventricle. To the best of our knowledge, only two cases of third ventricle hydatid cyst have been reported. Herein, we present a very rare case of third ventricle hydatid cyst in a four- year-old boy with nausea, vomiting, and progressive drowsiness. Neuroradiological examination revealed a large, spherical, well-defined cystic lesion within the third ventricle. The patient underwent surgery using the anterior interhemispheric transcallosal approach, and the cyst was successfully removed using the Dowling's technique. In this case report, we described the first case of transcallosal removal of a rare third ventricle hydatid cyst, which can be considered in the differential diagnosis of suprasellar arachnoid cysts. Caution must be taken in determining the best surgical approach to prevent unexpected complications.

Brain and Cardiac Concomitant Localization of the Hydatid Cyst

Hydatid cyst is a parasitic infestation that is usually observed in the liver and lungs. The localization in the brain and the heart is exceptional. Here, we report a 11-year-old boy who was diagnosed to have two large hydatid cysts of the heart and brain. We discuss this unusual presentation of hydatid cyst and its management.

Successful Surgical Treatment of a Brain Stem Hydatid Cyst in a Child

Hydatid disease is a parasitic infestation, which is endemic in the Mediterranean region. It is often located in the liver and the lungs, whereas brain stem hydatid cysts are extremely rare. We report a case of a five-year-old female who presented with hemiparesis, and after investigations, she was diagnosed with a hydatid cyst in the pons. She also had cysts in her liver and kidney. The cerebral cyst was completely removed without rupture, using gentle water-jet dissection (Dowling's technique). She was feeling well after 4-month follow-up. We emphasize the importance of keeping hydatid cysts in the differential diagnosis of pediatric infratentorial cystic lesions.

Cerebral Hydatid Cyst with Intraventricular Extension: A Case Report

Intracranial hydatid cyst is a rare entity, comprising about 2-3% of all hydatid cysts. Similarly, intracranial hydatid cysts account for 1-2% of all intracranial lesions. Clinical symptoms are generally nonspecific and patients usually present with symptoms of increased intracranial pressure. Cerebral hydatid cysts can be either primary or secondary to systemic hydatid disease. Primary cerebral hydatid cysts are usually solitary, unilocular with an intraparenchymal location. Intraventricular extension of hydatid cysts account for a limited percentage of all cerebral hydatid cysts with limited number of cases reported. Herein, we present the imaging and surgical findings of a primary cerebral hydatid cyst that is located in frontal lobe parenchyma with partial extension into the ventricular system.

Hydatid disease (Echinococcus) of the central nervous system

Hydatid disease of the central nervous system is rare and comprises about 2-3% of all the hydatid cyst cases reported in the world. Spinal hydatid is still rare. It is endemic in sheep and cattle-raising regions, seen mainly in Mediterranean countries including Turkey and Syria. Pediatric neurosurgeons in nonendemic countries face a challenge when they are encountered with hydatid cyst of the central nervous system due to lack of awareness and diagnostic dilemmas. It is also a mammoth economic problem in developing countries due to improper hygiene and lack of dedicated veterinary practice. The clinical features are largely nonspecific. However, with the advent of MR imaging, the diagnostic accuracy has increased. Intact removal of the cyst without causing any spillage is the goal and key to cure. In this manuscript, the current literature on hydatid cyst of the brain and spine is reviewed to understand the epidemiological, diagnostic accuracy and advances in therapeutics. A heightened clinical suspicion about hydatid disease, role of MR imaging and improving surgical strategies is discussed. A nationwide prevention of the disease is the ultimate goal.

Unusual presentation of hydatid cyst - ruptured intraventricular hydatid

Echinococcosis in humans occurs as a result of infection by the larval stages of taenid cestodes of the genus Echinococcus. Most of the intracranial hydatids develop in brain parenchyma. Hydatid cyst within the cerebral ventricle is quite unusual. Literature review showed few case reports of childhood as well as adult intraventricular hydatid cysts. None of these cases presented for the first time with features of ruptured intraventricular cyst. This is a very rare presentation of a common disease. The possibility of infestation with E. granulosus should be included in the differential diagnosis of raised intracranial tension in patients reporting from endemic areas, because the prognosis following surgical intervention is excellent, especially in the pediatric age group.

[Cerebral hydatid cysts in children: about 15 cases]

L’objectif de notre étude est d’illustrer l’intérêt de l’imagerie en coupe (TDM, IRM) dans le diagnostic positif et le suivi post-thérapeutique du kyste hydatique cérébral chez l’enfant et de mettre en lumière les particularités et les difficultés rencontrées dans la prise en charge de la localisation cérébrale de cette affection, par notre expérience basée sur 15 cas de kyste hydatique cérébral de l’enfant. Il s’agit d’une étude rétrospective de 15 cas d’hydatidose cérébrale de l’enfant colligés sur une période de 10 ans. La TDM cérébrale en coupes axiales de 5 mm d’épaisseur sans et avec injection de produit de contraste a été réalisée chez 15 patients. L’IRM encéphalique a été réalisée en séquences pondérées en T1 et en T2 chez un patient dans les trois plans de l’espace sans injection de Gadolinium. L’âge moyen de nos patients était de 9 ans. La symptomatologie clinique était dominée par le syndrome d’hypertension intracrânienne. Le kyste hydatique était solitaire et se situait au niveau de l’étage sus-tentoriel avec un important effet de masse sur le système ventriculaire et la ligne médiane dans la majorité des cas. Tous nos patients ont été opérés et l’évolution était favorable dans tous les cas. La TDM représente l’examen de choix pour le diagnostic et le suivi postopératoire du kyste hydatique cérébral. L’IRM trouve son intérêt essentiellement dans le diagnostic des formes multiples et des formes atypiques permettant une planification thérapeutique plus adaptée.

Our study aimed to highlight the role of cross sectional imaging techniques (CT, MRI) in positive diagnosis and post-therapeutic follow-up of cerebral hydatid cysts in children as well as to describe the peculiarities and the difficulties encountered in the management of these cysts based on our experience about 15 cases. We conducted a retrospective study of 15 cases of cerebral hydatidosis in children whose data were collected over a period of 10 years. CT scan of the brain with 5 mm slice thickness without and with injection of contrast product was performed in 15 patients. One patient underwent brain MRI creating either T1-weighted or T2-weighted images in all three planes without Gadolinium injection. The average age of patients was 9 years. Clinical symptoms were dominated by intracranial hypertension syndrome. Hydatid cyst was solitary and was located in the supratentorial level with an important mass effect on the ventricular system and the median line in most cases. All patients underwent surgery and patients’ evolution was favorable in all cases. CT scan is the test of choice for the diagnosis and the postoperative follow-up of patients with cerebral hydatid cysts. MRI is used essentially in the diagnosis of multiple and atypical type of cerebral hydatid cysts, enabling the design of more effective treatment strategy.

Unusual presentation of an intraventricular hydatid cyst as a bleeding cystic tumor: A case report and brief review

Hydatid cysts constitute only 2% of all intracranial masses, commonly involve parenchyma and very rarely ventricles. Here, we report an unusual case of a primary, isolated intraventricular hydatid cyst that mimicked a tumor and presented as intraventricular hemorrhage with hydrocephalus in a boy, causing a diagnostic dilemma. Although, preoperative modalities like computed tomography, magnetic resonance image and serology generally help in establishing the diagnosis, but hydatid cysts with unusual localizations and atypical imaging findings may complicate the diagnosis and need be considered in the differential diagnosis of all cystic masses in all anatomic locations, especially in endemic areas, so as to reduce the patient morbidity and mortality.

The Echinococcoses: Diagnosis, Clinical Management and Burden of Disease

The echinococcoses are chronic, parasitic diseases that are acquired after ingestion of infective taeniid tapeworm eggs from certain species of the genus Echinococcus. Cystic echinococcosis (CE) occurs worldwide, whereas, alveolar echinococcosis (AE) is restricted to the northern hemisphere, and neotropical echinococcosis (NE) has only been identified in Central and South America. Clinical manifestations and disease courses vary profoundly for the different species of Echinococcus. CE presents as small to large cysts, and has commonly been referred to as 'hydatid disease', or 'hydatidosis'. A structured stage-specific approach to CE management, based on the World Health Organization (WHO) ultrasound classification of liver cysts, is now recommended. Management options include percutaneous sterilization techniques, surgery, drug treatment, a 'watch-and-wait' approach or combinations thereof. In contrast, clinical manifestations associated with AE resemble those of a 'malignant', silently-progressing liver disease, with local tissue infiltration and metastases. Structured care is important for AE management and includes WHO staging, drug therapy and long-term follow-up for at least a decade. NE presents as polycystic or unicystic disease. Clinical characteristics resemble those of AE, and management needs to be structured accordingly. However, to date, only a few hundreds of cases have been reported in the literature. The echinococcoses are often expensive and complicated to treat, and prospective clinical studies are needed to better inform case management decisions.

Cerebral intraventricular echinococcosis in an adult

Background:

Echinococcosis in humans occurs as a result of infection by the larval stages of taeniid cestodes of the genus echinococcus. Intracranial hydatid cysts usually develop at an intraparenchymal site. Hydatid cyst within the cerebral ventricle is quite unusual.

Methods:

We reviewed the literature on adult intraventricular hydatid cyst and found case reports mainly in children with an only handful of cases in adults. We reported a rare case of cerebral intraventricular (left lateral ventricle) hydatid cyst in a 21-year-old adult female.

Results:

Although cerebral hydatid cysts are most commonly seen in children and young adults cerebral intraventricular hydatid cyst are comparatively rarer in adults.

Conclusion:

The possibility of infection with Echinococcus granulosus should be included in the differential diagnosis of raised intracranial hypertension in patients from endemic areas.

Giant primary cerebral hydatid cyst: A rare cause of childhood seizure

We report a 9-year-old girl who presented with focal seizures, hemiparesis, headache, vomiting and bilateral optic atrophy. CT scan revealed a giant solitary cyst in the left parietal lobe. Serology and histopathology of the excised cyst confirmed the diagnosis of neurohydatidosis which is a rare cause of childhood seizure.

Hydatid disease located in the cerebellomedullary cistern

Hydatid disease is an endemic zoonotic disease in many areas of the world. Liver, followed by lung, is the most commonly affected organ and involvement of other organs is rare. When brain is involved, lesions are typically supratentorial, and infratentorial localisation is even rarer. We present a 45-year-old woman with hydatid disease located in premedullary location compressing the brain stem, an exceedingly rare location for cerebral echinococcosis. Relevant literature regarding typical properties of cerebral disease was reviewed.

[Cerebral hydatid cyst in children: report of 5 cases]

Le kyste hydatique cervical est une pathologie rare, mais non exceptionnel chez l'enfant. Nous rapportons rétrospectivement une série de cinq cas de kyste hydatique cérébral opérés, avec une revue de la littérature. Le syndrome d'hypertension intracrânien a été révélateur dans la majorité des cas. Le diagnostic a été posé par la TDM cérébrale, le traitement a été chirurgical dans tout les cas, avec une rupture du kyste dans un seul cas, traité par l'albendazol en post opératoire. L’évolution a été bonne dans 3 cas, dans un cas l'atrophie optique était irréversible, et dans un autre cas l'enfant a présenté un syndrome maniaque stabilisé sous traitement. En conclusion le kyste hydatique cérébral reste une cause non négligeable de manifestations neurologiques dans les pays endémiques, le diagnostic positif est fait par la TDM, le traitement est chirurgical, et le pronostic est généralement bon.

Intra cranial hydatid cyst: A case report of total cyst extirpation and review of surgical technique

Hydatid cysts commonly affect liver and lung but it can also affect the brain in rare cases. We report a case of 22 year female with history of headache for one and half years. Intracranial hydatid cyst was diagnosed on computed tomography scan and magnetic resonance imaging. The cyst was delivered without rupture using hydrostatic dissection followed by post-operative anthelminthic medication. Surgery remains to be the standard management. Amongst the surgical techniques described, Dowling's technique is the most acceptable. However, care must be taken in to avoid rupture of the cyst peroperatively which can result in subsequent complications and recurrence. Albendazole and corticosteroids can be used as adjunct to surgical treatment in selective cases.

Pathology of CNS parasitic infections

Parasitic infections of the central nervous system (CNS) include two broad categories of infectious organisms: single-celled protozoa and multicellular metazoa. The protozoal infections include malaria, American trypanosomiasis, human African trypanosomiasis, toxoplasmosis, amebiasis, microsporidiasis, and leishmaniasis. The metazoal infections are grouped into flatworms, which include trematoda and cestoda, and roundworms or nematoda. Trematoda infections include schistosomiasis and paragonimiasis. Cestoda infections include cysticercosis, coenurosis, hydatidosis, and sparganosis. Nematoda infections include gnathostomiasis, angiostrongyliasis, toxocariasis, strongyloidiasis, filariasis, baylisascariasis, dracunculiasis, micronemiasis, and lagochilascariasis. The most common route of CNS invasion is through the blood. In some cases, the parasite invades the olfactory neuroepithelium in the nasal mucosa and penetrates the brain via the subarachnoid space or reaches the CNS through neural foramina of the skull base around the cranial nerves or vessels. The neuropathological changes vary greatly, depending on the type and size of the parasite, geographical strain variations in parasitic virulence, immune evasion by the parasite, and differences in host immune response. Congestion of the leptomeninges, cerebral edema, hemorrhage, thrombosis, vasculitis, necrosis, calcification, abscesses, meningeal and perivascular polymorphonuclear and mononuclear inflammatory infiltrate, microglial nodules, gliosis, granulomas, and fibrosis can be found affecting isolated or multiple regions of the CNS, or even diffusely spread. Some infections may be present as an expanding mass lesion. The parasites can be identified by conventional histology, immunohistochemistry, in situ hybridization, and PCR.

Hydatid disease of the central nervous system: a review of literature with an emphasis on Latin American countries

OBJECTIVE

To provide an up to date review of the epidemiology, etiology, treatment and prevention of hydatid cyst of the central nervous system, with an emphasis in South American countries.

METHODS

We searched the PubMed databases for articles containing the terms 'hydatid cyst' and 'nervous system'.

RESULTS

We found and reviewed 303 articles and their related references. We provide the available information on the pathology, life cycle and diagnostic modalities (laboratory tests and imaging) along with possible complications of the disease. Current treatment methods of hydatid cyst in the brain and spine are also being discussed.

DISCUSSION

Echinococcosis is a rare parasitic disease, endemic in some parts of South America. The epidemiology of echinococcosis is influenced by agricultural, educational, economic, medical and cultural factors. Human infestation occurs through the fecal-oral route. Infection of the central nervous system is rare, and the mainstay of treatment is surgical excision of the intracranial or spinal cyst, when present. Preventive programs should break the parasite life cycle and also educate the farmers in endemic areas.

[Intracranial hydatid cysts in children: a report of 9 cases]

PURPOSE

To illustrate the value of cross-sectional imaging (CT, MRI) for the diagnosis and follow-up of intracranial hydatid cysts in children.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Retrospective study of 9 cases of intracranial hydatid cysts in children seen over a period of 8 years. Precontrast and postcontrast 5 mm thick axial CT images were obtained in 7 cases. Noncontrast sagittal, axial and coronal T1W and T2W images were obtained in 2 cases.

RESULTS

Mean patient age was 7.5 years. Intracranial hypertension was the main presenting clinical symptom. A single supratentorial cyst with significant mass effect upon the ventricular system and midline structures was observed in all cases. All patients underwent surgery with good outcome in all cases.

CONCLUSION

CT is the imaging modality of choice for diagnosis and postoperative follow-up of intracranial hydatid cysts in children. MRI is most helpful for further characterization when multiple or atypical cysts are present to optimize management.

Primary cerebral intraventricular hydatid cyst: a case report and review of the literature

Intracranial hydatid cysts, which are common in certain areas worldwide, almost always develop at an intraparenchymal site. However, the literature on intraventricular hydatid cysts consists of only 6 independent case reports and about 30 cases that are described in large series. We report on a 10-year-old girl who was admitted with an intracranial cyst. She complained of headache of 10 months' duration that had intensified significantly over the 3 weeks immediately before her admission. The results of a neurologic examination showed bilateral papilledema and slight left hemiparesis. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a right temporo-parieto-occipital cystic lesion that was causing the shifting of the midline structures to the contralateral side. The giant cyst was successfully removed without rupture. The possibility of infection with Echinococcus granulosus should be included in the differential diagnosis of unspecific neurologic symptoms such as a progressively worsening headache, especially in pediatric patients from the geographic areas in which that parasite is endemic.

Metabolic changes during successful medical therapy for brain hydatid cyst: case report

BACKGROUND

Medical therapy for hydatid disease of the brain has been reported with encouraging results especially in small or medium-sized cysts. To date, no other case correlating the metabolite levels of the cyst with albendazole treatment has been reported.

CASE DESCRIPTION

A 52-year-old woman presented with left hemiparesis and seizure. Cranial magnetic resonance revealed a right frontal cystic mass lesion. A diagnosis of hydatid cyst was made, and she was put on medical therapy with albendazole. An MRS before the medical therapy was begun revealed the typical findings of a hydatid cyst with resonance of alanine, acetate, and succinate that were specific for hydatid disease, and additional nonspecific lactate peaks with an additional small peak of choline. Comparison between the multiple MRS examinations was made by comparing the metabolite ratios specific for hydatid disease to choline, which seemed stable from the beginning. Two sequential MRS imaging revealed a prominent decrease of the succinate and acetate resonance, accompanied by a smaller decline of the alanine resonance progressively, correlated with the conventional MRI findings of the cyst, which had a smaller size with blurred margins in the meantime. After 5 months of medical treatment, the cyst had completely disappeared. The patient has been monitored for 5 years and remains well without recurrence.

CONCLUSIONS

This case provides additional proof that the brain hydatid cyst is a medically treatable disease in appropriate cases. Furthermore, the changes in the metabolic profile of the cyst, especially those regarding succinate and acetate may represent the efficacy of the medical treatment.

Giant Hydatid Cyst in the Posterior Fossa of a Child: A Case Report

A 10-year-old boy was admitted with a 4-month history of ataxic gait, headache, vomiting and diplopia. The headaches had worsened in month 4 and were associated with vomiting during head movement. Cranial computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans revealed a hydatid cyst located in the posterior fossa. The patient underwent suboccipital craniotomy and a cerebellar hydatid cyst (approximately 5 cm in diameter) was removed using Dowling's technique. The diagnosis was confirmed during surgery and by histological examination of a tissue sample from the cyst. The patient was treated with the antihelmintic agent albendazole in combination with antibiotics. The postoperative course was uneventful and the patient was discharged after 1 week. In conclusion, when a cystic lesion is detected on CT or MRI scans, hydatid disease should be taken into consideration in countries where hydatid infestation is endemic.

[Calcified cerebral hydatid cyst]

Hydatid cyst is rarely observed in the brain (0.5-4.5%). The frequency of calcified cyst is less than 1%. We present a case of a 15-year-old girl with a 5-year follow-up for grand mal seizures that became resistant to three-drug therapy. The CT scan revealed a calcified parieto-occipital lesion. MRI disclosed a suggestive detached membrane. At surgery, the cyst wall was calcified with typical hydatid sand contents. Since surgery, seizure control has been achieved with one drug. Calcification of a cerebral hydatid cyst is exceptional. MRI enabled the diagnosis in this patient.

Microsurgery in the removal of a large cerebral hydatid cyst: technical case report

OBJECTIVE

Surgery is presently the mainstay in the treatment of cerebral hydatid cysts, but removal without perforation of the cyst wall is critical. The Dowling-Orlando technique has been the main surgical choice for the intact removal of intracranial hydatid cysts. Dowling described his technique in 1929, well before the introduction of the microscope in neurosurgery. Using the operating microscope has not been reported in the removal of a large hydatid cyst.

CLINICAL PRESENTATION

The case of a 16-year-old male with a large, right parieto-occipital hydatid cyst is presented.

INTERVENTION

In this case, surgery was greatly aided by the use of the microscope in the initial stage of the removal of the cyst. Cyst extraction during the delivery process was continued without the aid of the microscope. The cyst was successfully removed intact.

CONCLUSION

The use of the magnification during the early part of the surgery of a hydatid cyst is extremely helpful because, at a crucial stage of the procedure, it prevents inadvertent damage of the very thin cyst wall and allows development of the critical surgical plane.

Relative frequency, clinical, neuroimaging, and postsurgical features of pediatric temporal lobe epilepsy

We describe the relative frequency, clinical features, neuroimaging and pathological results, and outcome after pharmacological or surgical intervention for a series of pediatric patients with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) from an epilepsy center in Brazil. The medical records of children younger than 12 years with features strongly suggestive of TLE were reviewed from January 1999 to June 1999. Selected children were evaluated regarding clinical, EEG, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) investigation and divided into three groups according to MRI: group 1 (G1, N = 9), patients with hippocampal atrophy; group 2 (G2, N = 10), patients with normal MRI, and group 3 (G3, N = 12), patients with other specific temporal lesions. A review of 1732 records of children with epilepsy revealed 31 cases with TLE (relative frequency of 1.79%). However, when the investigation was narrowed to cases with intractable seizures that needed video-EEG monitoring (N = 68) or epilepsy surgery (N = 32), the relative frequency of TLE increased to 19.11 (13/68) and 31.25% (10/32), respectively. At the beginning of the study, 25 of 31 patients had a high seizure frequency (80.6%), which declined to 11 of 31 (35.5%) at the conclusion of the study, as a consequence of pharmacological and/or surgical therapy. This improvement in seizure control was significant in G1 (P < 0.05) and G3 (P < 0.01) mainly due to good postsurgical outcome, and was not significant in G2 (P > 0.1, McNemar's test). These results indicate that the relative frequency of TLE in children was low, but increased considerably among cases with pharmacoresistant seizures. Patients with specific lesions were likely to undergo surgery, with good postoperative outcomes.

Grand mal seizures: an unusual and puzzling primary presentation of ruptured hepatic hydatid cyst

We report a case of hepatic hydatidosis where the first clinical manifestations, generalized seizures after minor head and abdominal trauma, and delayed anaphylaxis, made the primary diagnosis difficult. Severe anaphylaxis has been reported as initial presentation of quiescent hepatic hydatidosis. In endemic areas, the diagnosis must be carefully ruled out in patients experiencing abrupt anaphylactic shock of uncertain etiology. The occurrence of unexplained vascular collapse after minor abdominal trauma in a patient originating from an endemic area should prompt the diagnosis and urgent treatment should be initiated; firstly emergency management of the anaphylactic shock and later, surgical treatment of the cysts.

Long-term surgical outcome in patients with intracranial hydatid cyst

BACKGROUND

Cerebral hydatid cysts account for up to 3.6% of all intracranial space-occupying lesions, in endemic countries. The vast majority of patients affected are children. Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) have greatly contributed to a more accurate diagnosis of hydatids. However, correct pre-operative diagnosis still remains quite puzzling. Extirpation of the intact cyst is the treatment of choice, resulting in most cases to a complete recovery.

METHOD

In our retrospective study, we have reviewed 76 cases of intra-cranial hydatid disease operated on in our hospital over a 22 year period. Presenting clinical symptoms and signs and the radiological findings on CT and MRI were documented. Albendazole was given preoperatively to patients with giant (>5 cm) or multiple cysts and postoperatively to all patients. The follow-up period ranged from 12 months to 22 years and the outcome was assessed using the Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS).

FINDINGS

Sixty seven (95.7%) of our patients were children. Increased intracranial pressure and papilledema were the predominant findings in this group, whereas focal neurological deficits were most prevalent in adults. CT and MRI revealed round cystic lesions, isodense and iso-intense respectively to cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), with no rim enhancement or perifocal edema. Multiple cysts were identified in 3 cases. Extirpation of the cyst without rupture was accomplished in 56 patients (73.7%). Recurrences occurred in 19 patients (25%). 4 patients (5.3%) died within 6 months after surgery; 3 of these patients had multiple cysts and one died shortly after the operation due to anaphylactic shock following intra-operative rupture of the cyst.

CONCLUSION

Long-term follow-up confirms that intracranial hydatid cysts should always be surgically removed without rupture; the outcome remains excellent in these cases. Correct preoperative diagnosis is vital for the successful outcome of surgery. A high index of suspicion is therefore required in endemic areas despite the availability of advanced neuro-imaging. Medical treatment with albendazole seems to be beneficial both pre- and post-operatively. Newer diagnostic methodologies, such as MR spectroscopy and MR diffusion weighted imaging, might lend themselves to the diagnosis of intracranial hydatid cysts.

Accidental drainage of a cerebral hydatid cyst into the peritoneal cavity

Intracranial hydatidosis is more common in children than in adults. The most severe complication is anaphylactic response after direct rupture into the subarachnoid spaces. We report a case of brain hydatid cyst that was accidentally drained into the peritoneal cavity and was not complicated by an anaphylactic response or dissemination.

Hydatid cyst: a rare cause of ascites

A 26 year old woman with ascites was admitted for further investigations. A diagnosis of hydatid cyst disease was suggested on the basis of a combination of abdominal ultrasonography, computerised tomography and latex agglutination tests. This diagnosis was confirmed following surgical intervention. Hydatid cyst disease is a rare cause of ascites and we review the etiology and clinical features of this condition.