Primary spinal epidural hydatid cyst with intrathoracic extension

Abstract

Spinal epidural localization of hydatid cyst is quite rare. We report a case of a 33-year-old patient who experienced paraparesis over 2 years, with an umbilical sensitive level. A CT scan and MRI showed an intrathoracic multilobar lesion, probably of intra-spinal origin. An anterolateral transpleural surgical approach confirmed the hydatic character of the observed lesion and enabled total spinal cord decompression. No osseous involvement was noted. We report a case of spinal epidural hydatid cyst successfully managed by an anterior approach, and we discuss epidemiological, diagnosis, and therapeutical features of this rare localization of hydatid cyst.