A medically treated multiple cerebral hydatid cyst disease

Altas M., Aras M., SERARSLAN Y., Davran R., Evirgen O., Yilmaz N.

Journal of Neurosurgical Sciences, vol.54, no.2, pp.79-82, 2010 (Scopus) identifier identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 54 Issue: 2
  • Publication Date: 2010
  • Journal Name: Journal of Neurosurgical Sciences
  • Journal Indexes: Scopus
  • Page Numbers: pp.79-82
  • Keywords: Albendazole, Echinococcosis, Surgical procedures, operative
  • Hatay Mustafa Kemal University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Echinococcosis is a potentially fatal parasitic disease that can affect many animals and humans. The disease results from infection by tapeworm larvae of the genus Echinococcus - notably, E. granulosus, E. multilocularis, E. vogeli and E. oligarthrus. Cyst hydatid disease is usually seen in adults, and mainly affects liver and/or lungs (90%). Cerebral involvement is very rare (1-3%), and more common in children. Therapy consists of medical treatment and surgical intervention if it is possible. The authors report the case of a 55-year-old male patient with multiple intracranial hydatid cysts, who was successfully treated with albendazole (10 mg/kg/day) alone without any surgical intervention.