A Case of Extensive Thoracolumbar Spinal Intradural Cystic Echinococcosis

Abstract

Spinal cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a rare but devastating form of a neglected parasitic disease caused by the larval stage of the cestode Echinococcus granulosus. CE or hydatid disease most commonly affects the liver and lungs. Spinal CE occurs in less than 1% of all cases. Patients with cysts confined to the intradural space typically present with neurological impairment due to compression of the spinal cord. We report a case of a 32-year-old woman with unusual, extensive spinal intradural CE, located at the T2-L5 levels. She was treated with surgical removal of the cystic lesions by laminectomy and instrumentation. Long-term oral albendazole was recommended postoperatively. Her status was medically stable at 5-year follow-up, but lower limbs paralysis, urinary retention, and bowel dysfunction persisted.