Unusual brain edema caused by an intracranial hydatid cyst: Case report and literature review

The differential diagnosis of intracranial brain cystic lesions, including malignant lesions, abscesses and cystic astrocytoma, can sometimes be difficult even when using a sophisticated imaging technique. This is particularly evident in certain rare lesions such as hydatid cysts. In fact, any imaging modality that can make the diagnosis can optimize conservative or surgical treatment and prevent unnecessary biopsy. A case of a six-year-old male with raised intracranial tension and rapid consciousness disturbance presumably caused by a left frontal hydatid cyst, surrounded by an unusual edema is reported. We concluded that intracranial hydatid cyst should be entertained whenever a cystic lesion is found in an endemic region. (C) 2008 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.