Multiple and infected cerebral hydatid cysts mimicking brain tumor: Unusual presentation of hydatid cyst

Abstract

Multiple cerebral cystic echinococcosis are uncommon and may be either primary or secondary. Also, suppuration of cerebral hydatid cyst with multiple daughter vesicles is an extremely rare occurrence that can be confused with other cystic brain lesions. Only few cases reported in the literature. We report an unusual case of multiple and infected cerebral hydatid cysts presented with a 3 month history of headache, behavioral disorders and progressive left-sided hemiparesis. Brain MRI showed a large and heterogeneous fronto-parietal lesion. The patient underwent gross total removal of the mass lesion, and an infected hydatid cyst was discovered with multiple daughter vesicles. The outcome was good with total recovery of all symptoms and the patient was treated with albendazol, cefotaxime and metronidazole in order to avoid recurrences. The infection of primary cerebral multiple hydatid cysts is exceptional, and may cause tumor-like symptoms, it requires surgical removal, and medical treatment.