EC Neurology

Introduction: Hydatidosis is a zoonosis caused by the parasite Echinococcus granulosus, with high prevalence in various regions of the world. The primary organs affected are the liver and lungs, while cerebral localization is uncommon, representing only 2% of cases.

Case Description: We present the case of a 16-year-old male patient from a rural area, with a 3-month history of headache, hemiparesis, and difficulty walking. Imaging studies revealed multiple bilateral cerebral cysts, as well as cardiac, renal, pancreatic, and muscular cysts. The diagnosis of hydatidosis was based on imaging studies, serological tests, and pathological anatomy.

Intervention: Six cerebral cysts were surgically removed using the Dowling technique. The patient recovered without complications, and treatment with albendazole was continued postoperatively.

Conclusion: Multiple cerebral hydatidosis without hepatic or pulmonary involvement is an extremely rare presentation. Early diagnosis and a multidisciplinary approach, including both medical and surgical treatment, are crucial for the successful management of this pathology.

 Keywords: Albendazole; Cerebral Hydatidosis; Dowling Technique; Echinococcus granulosus

1. Gautam S and A Sharma. “Intracranial hydatid cyst: A report of three cases in North-West India”. Journal of Pediatric Neurosciences1 (2018): 91-95.
2. Tapia EO., et al. “Hidatidosis cerebral: aspectos clínicos e imagenológicos. Reporte de 4 casos”. Revista Médica de Chile3 (2012): 358-363.
3. Manzano-Román, R., et al. “Serological diagnosis and follow-up of human cystic echinococcosis: A new hope for the future?” BioMed Research International (2015): 428205.
4. Miranda, E., et al. “Evaluación de una prueba de aglutinación de látex para el diagnóstico serológico de la equinococosis quística”. Revista Peruana de Medicina Experimental y Salud Pública2 (2009): 198-202.
5. Belhassen-García M., et al. “Executive summary of the consensus statement on the management of cystic echinococcosis”. Enfermedades Infecciosas y Microbiología Clínica (English Edition)6 (2020): 283-288.
6. Acha-Sánchez JL., et al. “Quiste hidatídico cerebral: caso clínico y revisión de la literatura”. Neurocirugía4 (2017): 207-210.
7. Álvarez-Martínez MJ., et al. “Diagnóstico de parasitosis importadas en España”. Procedimientos en Microbiología Clínica SEIMC (2020).
8. Derfoufi O., et al. “Profil épidémiologique de l’hydatidose au Maroc de 1980 à 2008”. Annales de Biologie Clinique 4 (2012): 457-461.
9. Armiñanzas C., et al. “Hidatidosis: aspectos epidemiológicos, clínicos, diagnósticos y terapéuticos”. Revista Española de Quimioterapia3 (2015): 116-124.
10. Carcavilla LI., et al. “Hidatidosis cerebral múltiple bilateral. Aportación de un caso”. Neurocirugía1 (1997): 60-64.
11. Arana-Iñiguez R., et al. “Nueva técnica para la extirpación del quiste hidatídico cerebral”. Boletín de la Sociedad de Cirugía del Uruguay 22 (1951): 239-246.
12. Carrea R., et al. “Surgical treatment of hydatic cysts of the central nervous system in pediatric age (Dowling’s technique)”. Child’s Brain1 (1975): 4-21.
13. Turnes AL. “La hidatidosis en el Río de la Plata: una revisión de algunos hitos a través de tres siglos”. Comisión de Zoonosis (2014).
14. Trueba-Argamasilla AA., et al. “Hidatidosis cerebral: caso clínico y revisión de la literatura”. Enfermedades Infecciosas y Microbiología Clínica 2 (2023): 107-110.
15. Garg M., et al. “Multiple primary bilateral cerebral echinococcosis in an adult: a neurological rarity”. Asian Journal of Neurosurgery 4 (2022): 647-650.