A Hydatid Cyst of the Lumbar Spine: A Rare Cause of Paraplegia

Hydatid cyst is a zoonotic disease, affecting humans and other mammals worldwide. It is caused by tapeworms of the genus Echinococcus, which is most frequently encountered in the liver and lungs. Although involvement of the central nervous system and spine is rare, it can lead to severe neurological deficits due to direct compression.
We report a case of intradural extramedullary hydatid cyst in the lumbar region with a sudden onset, causing progressive paraplegia and areflexia over the past 20 days. After surgical removal, the cyst was sent for histopathological examination. The results showed inner laminated membranes and an outer fibrous layer, surrounded by foreign-body giant cells. The primary objective during surgery was to avoid perforation of the cyst, thereby reducing the risk of systemic dissemination and local seeding of the parasite. During the postoperative period, there was a steady improvement in the neurological deficit, and the patient was discharged with anthelmintics to prevent any distant dissemination.
An accurate and precise diagnosis is necessary when dealing with cystic pathologies.