Immunochemical and molecular characterization of vertebral hydatid fluid

Spinal hydatid disease, a rare but existent pathological entity: case report and review of the literature

Spinal hydatid disease is a not uncommon cause of spinal cord compression in endemic countries; however, involvement of the epidural space with sparing of the vertebral column is rare. Early diagnosis and surgical decompression with total removal of the hydatid lesion, when possible, is generally considered the standard of care for this disease. The authors describe a case of massive epidural hydatid disease without involvement of the vertebral column in a 62-year-old male patient, treated with a 2-stage surgical operation and administration of systemic albendazole. The literature is reviewed regarding the clinical features, diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of spinal echinococcosis.

Recurrent spinal hydatidosis in North America

Spinal hydatidosis is an uncommon manifestation of the parasite Echinococcus, affecting fewer than 1% of patients with hydatid disease. The authors report on a 34-year-old Turkish woman who presented with recurrent primary spinal hydatid disease. The patient originally presented with progressive numbness and paraparesis that was reversed after T5–6 laminectomy and cyst removal. Pathological findings indicated parasitic infection and she underwent treatment for cysticercosis. Nevertheless, she returned 4 years later with back pain, numbness, and monoparesis. Neuroimaging studies revealed spinal cord compression with multiple cysts that were again resected. Pathological findings were consistent with Echinococcus.

Although this disease is uncommon, particularly in North America, the authors conclude that spinal hydatidosis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of any patient who has lived or traveled within endemic areas and who presents with spine lesions and cord compression. The authors review the literature pertaining to the epidemiological features, presentation, diagnosis, neuroimaging characteristics, recommended treatments, and overall prognosis of spinal hydatidosis.