Primary Cranial Epidural Hydatid Cyst: a Rare Location

Abstract

Background: Hydatid cyst is a parasitic disease caused by Echinococcus granulosus. Involvement of the central nervous system (CNS) is very rare in this parasitic infection. Method: A 21-year-old male with the history of visual disturbances and headache for 1,5 years is reported. Computed tomography of the brain showed a large, 6 X 6,2 X 9 cm, cystic lesion with a density similar to the cerebrospinal fluid in the left epidural parieto-occipital region. No enhancement was seen with contrast. The patient underwent left parietooccipital craniotomy. The diagnosis of hydatid cyst was confirmed with pathological examination. Conclusion: Hydatid cysts should be considered in the differential diagnosis of the epidural cystic lesions. The mainstay of treatment is surgical removal of the cyst. Medical therapy is also important to prevent recurrences during the postoperative period.