The clinical, radiological and surgical aspects of cerebral hydatid cysts in children.

A series of 13 pediatric patients underwent surgery for cerebral hydatid cysts at the Department of Pediatric Neurosurgery between 1993 and 2003. Headache and motor weakness were the main initial signs of these patients. A round cystic lesion was the characteristic appearance on computed tomography of each patient. Different cyst locations such as the liver, kidney or spleen were detected in 5 patients. Surgery using Dowling's technique was performed in all patients as the main treatment. Intraoperative rupture and cyst recurrence were observed in only 1 patient. Subdural effusion, intraparenchymal air and hemorrhage were the main complications observed after surgery. None of the patients died after surgery. Because of its efficacy combined with excellent results, surgery is currently the method of choice in the treatment of cerebral hydatid cyst in children.