Unusual presentations of cerebral hydatid disease in children

Abstract

Three children with hydatid disease of the central nervous system (CNS) were seen. In two patients the lateral ventricles were involved, whilst one case involved the cerebellar hemisphere. In addition, one child presented with a deposit in the maxillary antrum, and deposits were also found in the liver. Operative removal of the deposits was performed, followed by post-operative treatment with praziquantel and albendazole. Investigation of other sites outside the CNS was undertaken for occult lesions. All hydatid cysts were clearly demonstrated on CT, but two cases posed the pre-operative problem of differential diagnosis from arachnoid cysts.

Key Words:

• Echinococcus granulosus (hydatid) cyst
• Hydrocephalus
• intraventricular cyst
• unilateral proptosis