RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Intracranial hydatid cyst. Dilemma in diagnosis and management
JF Neurosciences Journal
JO Neurosciences (Riyadh)
FD Prince Sultan Military Medical City
SP 249
OP 252
VO 12
IS 3
A1 Marwan W. Najjar
A1 Yasser Rajab
A1 Yehyia El-Beheiri
YR 2007
UL http://nsj.org.sa/content/12/3/249.abstract
AB Intracranial hydatid disease is a parasitic infection that affects children in endemic areas such as the Mediterranean, South America, and Australia. In non-endemic areas, it is rare and may pose a diagnostic dilemma. We review a boy who presented with a right cerebral cyst. All investigations were negative, and hydatid cyst was encountered upon intra-operative exploration. We review the available diagnostic modalities, and the difficulty in reaching a preoperative diagnosis. We also review the surgical and medical treatment strategies. A cerebral hydatid cyst should be considered in children with cystic brain lesions even in non-endemic areas. Since serologic tests are frequently negative, the most reliable methods in reaching a diagnosis are radiological evaluation and histopathological examination. The cyst has a typical appearance on CT and MRI and this bears special importance on the treatment strategy where the cyst is best removed intact to avoid recurrence or anaphylaxis.