Hydatid Cyst of the Foramen Magnum

Abstract

Hydatid cysts of the central nervous system (CNS) are rare. A patient with quadriparesis caused by a primary solitary hydatid cyst of the foramen magnum is described. Based on a search of the pertinent literature, this is the second case of a foramen magnum hydatid cyst reported. A 25-year-old male farmer presented with weakness in his upper and lower limbs and an inability to walk. A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan revealed a cystic lesion that exerted a pressure effect on the cervicomedullary junction extending from the intracranial to C2 level. MRI scans confirmed the cystic nature of the lesion and demonstrated intensities that were similar to those of cerebrospinal fluid. Surgical exploration of the foramen magnum region with unruptured removal of the cyst was performed. A midline posterior fossa approach was used via a suboccipital craniectomy and C1-C2 laminectomy. Adjuvant therapy with mebendazole or albendazole was not administered. Hydatid cysts of the CNS can present in unusual locations such as in this case. The second case of a hydatid cyst of the foramen magnum is reported. Hydatid cyst should be considered in the differential diagnosis of cystic lesions of the foramen magnum in endemic areas.