Cerebral Echinococcosis

Cerebral hydatid: chronic parasitic cyst in brain/liver/lung/heart/kidney by E. granulosus; 1% of echinococcosis; natural foci, pastoral regions.

Common Symptoms

Eosinophilia; visual disturbance; ICP elevation; nausea; sensory disturbance

Causes and Pathogenesis

(1) Etiology: E. granulosus 1.5-6 mm, scolex + 3 proglottids; canid definitive; sheep intermediate. Oncosphere via liver/lung/internal carotid → intracranial; matures by week 3; 1 cm by month 5; most die by 5 years, some become giant cysts. (2) Pathogenesis: primary (hematogenous) vs secondary (ruptured elsewhere). Pericyst = host fibrous layer; pericyst + endocyst (laminated + germinal); loose adhesion = easy surgical removal. Mass effect → ICP/seizures/hemiparesis/hemianopia/sensory deficit/aphasia; calvarial erosion; spinal cord = radicular pain.

Treatment

Surgical, drug, supportive therapy

Preventive Measures

Endemic area control; meat inspection; health education.

Department to Visit

It is recommended to visit the Neurosurgery department; an appointment can be booked on this platform before the visit.

Warm reminder: The above information is for health science reference only and cannot replace professional medical diagnosis. If you have related symptoms, please seek medical attention at a regular hospital promptly.