Acute Cauda Equina Syndrome Due to Primary Lumbar Spinal Hydatid Cyst: A Rare Case.

INTRODUCTION

Spinal hydatid disease is a rare manifestation of echinococcosis, accounting for <1% of all hydatid infections, with lumbar involvement being uncommon.

CASE REPORT: We report a 40-year-old woman presenting with progressive paraparesis and acute bladder and bowel dysfunction secondary to a primary lumbar spinal hydatid cyst. Imaging revealed a cystic lesion involving the L4 vertebra with extradural compression. The patient underwent posterior decompression, fixation, and complete cyst excision followed by albendazole therapy, with significant neurological improvement on follow-up.

CONCLUSION

Primary lumbar spinal hydatid disease, though rare, should be considered in endemic regions when evaluating cystic spinal lesions. Early surgical decompression combined with antihelminthic therapy is essential to prevent permanent neurological deficits.