Large primary cerebral hydatid cysts in children

Abstract

Hydatid cyst disease in childhood is still a serious health problem in the rural areas of Turkey and other places where the parasite is endemic. The brain involvement rate varies from 1-2% in hydatid disease. Especially in children, hydatid cysts can grow to enormous sizes, and the cases can remain neurologically intact. In this report, a 7-year-old boy, a 15-year-old girl, and a 10-year-old girl, in whom large primary brain hydatid cysts were diagnosed radiologically and treated surgically, are presented. Severe headache in childhood should be taken into consideration carefully in countries where hydatid disease is seen.