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Abstract
Objective
Although hydatid cysts are known commonly to affect the liver and lung, it can also affect the brain (1-2% of cases). Brain involvement is more commonly seen in children (50-75% of intracranial hydatid cysts), and usually has
intraparenchymal localization. In this paper we present a case of a 3 years old child diagnosed incidentally with a giant intracranial hydatid cyst.
Case presentation
The patient was admitted in the hospital with a mild craniocerebral trauma, with an epicranial haematoma. The clinical and neurological examinations were normal. The CT scan of the brain revealed a giant solitary cystic lesion, located in the left fronto-parietal lobe, with features suggestive of hydatid cyst. The removal of the cyst, without rupture, was performed using the Dowling technique modified by Arana-Iniguez. Postoperatively the neurological exam was normal and the patient was asymptomatic at 7 months follow-up.
Conclusion
The hydatid cyst usually enlarges slowly, but this is variable, the growth being higher in children, in whom it can reach giant dimensions without or with minimal symptoms. It is a benign lesion, and the removal of the cyst without rupture is very important.
