Vertebral echinococcosis: A study of 5 cases

Objective To determine clinical characteristics of vertebral hydatidosis, its management and the main prognosis factors. Material/Patients and methods We report 5 cases of paraplegia secondary to vertebral hydatidosis and we evaluate functional and psychological outcome after rehabilitation. Results They are four women and a man with a mean age 43.2 years. Symptoms were dorsal pain in two cases, low back pain in one case with gait disorders in all cases. Clinical exam found paraplegia and some bladder sphincter dysfunctions. Spine MRI showed cystic lesion. Surgery consisted on posterior laminectomy and removing the hydatid cystis lesion followed by a long rehabilitation period (mean period 14.6 years). Three patients mentioned functional improvement after treatment. Two patients suffered from a recurrent dorsal pain due to a recurrence of vertebral hydatidosis. Discussion/Conclusion Despites its rare prevalence, the prognosis of vertebral hydatidosis is regarded as very poor due to its neurological complications and the high risk of its recurrence. Prevention and sanity educations stay the best measures.