CRANIAL HYDATID CYST

Abstract

OBJECT: HYDATID disease is caused by infestation by larvae of the tapeworm Echinococcus granulosus. The disease is endemic in parts of the world in which sheep are raised. In 2 to 3% of cases CNS involvement occurs. Alveolar echinococcosis is caused by Echinococcus multilocularis. The foxes and dogs are the main host for the adult parasite known as Echinococcus alveolaris. Humans are affected either by direct contact with foxes or dogs or by contamination from plants or water. The liver is the primary organ affected by the disease. The clinical behavior of the disease is aggressive and is regarded as a potential malignancy. Iraq is located in a geographic zone that is endemic for this parasite. Hydatid disease (Echinococcus granulosus) is endemic in the Middle East as well as other parts of the world, including India, Africa, South America, New Zealand, Australia, Turkey and Southern Europe. Infestation by hydatid disease in humans most commonly occurs in the liver (55-70%) followed by the lung (18-35%); the two organs can be affected simultaneously in about 5-13% of cases. Even though hydatid cysts can occur in any organ, it is very rare to see the disease in the regions reported in this paper. Considerable morbidity and even mortality can be caused by this benign disease, as seen in this report and the literature reviewed.  The purpose of this paper is to emphasize the fact that this disease should be suspected in cystic lesions affecting any ‘organ in the body, especially in endemic areas of the world. METHODS: A prospective study on 5 cases of cranial hydatid cyst were operated upon during the period 2008-2011 and then followed up for at least 6 months post operatively.