Hydatid cyst as a cause of lumbar radiculopathy: A case report.

INTRODUCTION

Hydatid disease, a parasitic infection caused by Echinococcus granulosus, predominantly affects the liver and lungs. However, rare cases of spinal involvement can occur, posing diagnostic challenges. This case report presents a rare case of spinal hydatid disease, highlighting the importance of early diagnosis and proper management to prevent further complications.

CASE-PRESENTATION: This is a rare case of spinal hydatid disease in a 30-year-old female. The patient presented with progressive lower back pain radiating to the left leg, associated with weakness and numbness in the dorsal foot with L5 radiculopathy. Imaging studies demonstrated cystic lesions in the spine, liver, and lungs, consistent with hydatid disease. Treatment, including antiparasitic therapy and surgical intervention, was successfully implemented.

DISCUSSION: Echinococcosis can lead to significant morbidity. This patient presented with a complex presentation involving multiple organ systems. The diagnostic approach, including serological testing and radiological imaging, was crucial in establishing the diagnosis of hydatid disease. A multidisciplinary treatment strategy, combining surgical intervention with pharmacological therapy, was employed to address the manifestations of the disease.

CONCLUSION

Spinal hydatid cysts, though rare, should be considered in the differential diagnosis of back pain, radiating pain, and foot weakness, especially in endemic regions. The nonspecific nature of symptoms can often lead to misdiagnosis as lumbar radiculopathy. Early diagnosis and appropriate management, including surgical intervention and antiparasitic therapy, are crucial to prevent neurological complications. Given the potential for misdiagnosis, physicians should maintain a high index of suspicion, particularly in patients with risk factors or suggestive imaging findings.