Primary spinal extradural hydatid cyst associated with acute bleeding

Yongxin Wang MD; Damrjab Geng MD, PhD; Guohua Zhu, MD; Guojia Du, MD.
Department of Neurosurgery, 1st Teaching Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang, China.

Aims: To report a case of unilocular primary spinal extradural hydatid cyst which manifested as acute bleeding. Methods: The clinical presentation, diagnosis, and surgical treatment of this rare case are discussed. Published cases of primary extradural hydatid cysts are reviewed. Results: Complete recovery was achieved. Repeated clinical, radiological, and serological examinations did not show any evidence of local recurrence or systemic hydatidosis during the follow-up period of 50 months. Conclusions: Primary spinal extradural hydatid cyst may present as acute bleeding. (Wang Y, Geng D, Zhu G, Du G. North Am J Med Sci 2009; 1: 78-82).

Key words: Spinal cord compression, parasitic infections, tape-worm, echinococcosis, hydatid cyst, complications, extradural hematoma, spasmodic torticollis, laminectomy

Correspondence to: Dr. Yongxin Wang,Department of Neurosurgery, 1st Teaching Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, 1# Liyushan Road, Urumqi, Xinjiang 830054, China. Tel: 086-991-4366057. Fax: 086-991-4324139. Email: xjdwyx2000@hotmail.com