Bone hydatidosis: report of five patients and review of the literature

Abstract

Bone location of hydatid cysts occurs in 0.5 to 3% of all cases of hydatidosis. The most common bones involved are spine, long bones and pelvis. We report five patients with bone hydatidosis. A 24-year-old male consulting for paraparesis and numbness of lower limbs; CAT scan showed hydatid cysts located in D2, D3 and D4 vertebral bodies. A 47-year-old male consulting for a fracture of the femur; X rays disclosed multiple hydatid cysts in the femur. A 13-year-old female consulting for claudication of the right lower limb; X ray examination showed a hydatid cyst in the iliac bone. A 21-year-old women presenting with weakness of the lower limbs and voiding problems; CAT scan showed a vertebral hydatidosis and spinal cord compression. A 67-year-old female presenting with weakness of the lower limb and loss of sphincter control; CAT scan showed hydatid cysts in D4 vertebral body.