Paraplegia associated with spinal hydatid cyst: a case report

Abstract

Study design: Case report.

Objectives: To report a case with paraplegia caused by spinal hydatid cyst.

Summary of background data: Hydatid cyst is a disease caused by larval Echinococcus granulosus tapeworm. Spinal hydatid cyst rarely leads to severe neurologic problems.

Methods: A 34-year-old male patient was referred to our outpatient clinic due to back and low back pain, progressive weakness and numbness in both lower extremities, and a prediagnosis of lumbar disc hernia. He had spastic paraplegia, and thorax magnetic resonance imaging revealed a lobulated cystic lesion with extradural intraspinal localization.

Results: After surgery and following 2 months of rehabilitation program, the patient showed a dramatic clinical improvement.

Conclusion: By this case, it is emphasized that spinal hydatid cyst should come to mind in the differential diagnosis of spinal cord compression, and the importance of prevention, early diagnosis, and treatment is highlighted because of high mortality and morbidity.