A large primary dumbbell hydatid cyst causing neural foraminal widening of the thoracic spine: A case report and literature review

IntroductionSpinal hydatid cyst is a rare, but serious condition.Presentation of the caseHerein, 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.DiscussionThe 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.ConclusionEven if serological test results are negative, hydatid cysts should be considered in the differential diagnosis of cystic lesions of the spine.