Introduction:
Spinal hydatid cyst is a rare, but serious condition.
Presentation of the case:
Herein, we present a 17-year-old male patient with back pain radiating to the legs and progressive weakness in the lower limbs. CT and MRI showed a spinal-paraspinal hydatid cyst with a dumbbell appearance that caused neural foraminal widening and spinal cord compression. The case was explored via right T3-T4 hemilaminectomy, and the hydatid cyst was completely removed.
Discussion:
The clinical presentation, diagnosis, and surgical treatment of this rare case of spinal hydatid disease are discussed, and all published cases of primary dumbbell hydatid cyst are reviewed.
Conclusion:
Even if serological test results are negative, hydatid cysts should be considered in the differential diagnosis of cystic lesions of the spine.