Spinal Hidatik Kist

Abstract

Hydatid cyst infection is one of the oldest diseases known in the history of humanity. It is a disease caused by the larval Echinococcus granulosus tapeworm and is seen in regions where parasitic infestations are endemic. Spinal hydatid disease is an infestation characterized by multi - vesicular diffuse infiltration of the cancellous bone, including corpus vertebrae, pedicles, and the lamina. This is a rare condition leading to severe neurological problems. In the spinal area, the most commonly involved part is the thoracic region. Diagnosis is difficult and frequently delayed until signs and symptoms of spinal cord and nerve compression develop. There are no characteristic signs and symptoms. Most common signs are low back pain, radicular pain, paraparesis or paraplegia, sensation disorders, and bladder/intestine dysfunction. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the most sensitive diagnostic method. In the treatment of spinal hydatid cyst, surgery is still accepted as the gold standard. Antihelmintic agents and benzimidazole derivatives can also be combined with surgical treatment, particularly for preventing recurrences. After review of the related liter - ature, it is emphasized that physicians should be careful in the differential diagnosis of patients ap - plying with spinal pain, radicular pain, progressive myelopathy or spinal cord compression syndrome. Because of high mortality and morbidity; importance of early diagnosis and treatment is highlighted along with emphasizing eradication of disease.