A Case of Extensive Thoracolumbar Spinal Intradural Cystic Echinococcosis

Spinal cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a rare but devastating form of a neglected parasitic disease caused by the larval stage of the cestode Echinococcus granulosus. CE or hydatid disease, most commonly affects the liver and lungs. Spinal CE occurs in less than 1% of all cases. Patients with cysts confined to the intradural space typically present with neurological impairment due to compression of the spinal cord. We report a case of a 32-year-old woman with unusual, extensive spinal intradural CE, located at the T2 to L5 levels. She was treated with surgical removal of the cystic lesions by laminectomy and instrumentation. Long term oral albendazole was recommended postoperatively. Her status was medically stable at 5-year follow up, but lower limbs paralysis, urinary retention and bowel dysfunction persisted.