[Vertebral hydatidosis: three case reports].
OBJECTIVE
Vertebral hydatidosis, the most frequent localization of skeletal hydatidosis, has an ominous prognosis with the risk of progressive but permanent neurological damage. There is no consensus on appropriate management. Treatment is often unsuccessful with frequent recurrence. The purpose of this study was to assess our experience with this rare disease to identify diagnostic, therapeutic and prognostic features.


METHODS
We reviewed the charts of three patients with vertebral hydatidosis treated at the department of orthopedics at the Casablanca children's hospital between January 1989 and January 1998. Diagnosis was made early in the first patients, allowing complete excision of the hydatid cyst. Follow-up was uneventful 10 years after surgery. The second patient presented after a long disease course and had definitive neurological complications despite treatment. The lesions were extensive in the third patient and cure could not be achieved although the patient remained asymptomatic.


CONCLUSIONS
Vertebral hydatidosis is a severe disease causing frequent neurological complications. Surgical treatment, though difficult, is the only efficient option. Complete recovery can be achieved after surgical excision of lesions diagnosed early. Prevention is the best therapeutic strategy in endemic areas.
El Andaloussi
M
M
Service d'Orthopédie et de Traumatologie Pédiatriques, Hôpital d'Enfants, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Ibn Rochd, rue Jenner, Casablanca, Maroc.
Yousri
B
B
Aboumaarouf
M
M
D000293:Adolescent; D015766:Albendazole / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000923:Anticestodal Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002648:Child; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D018450:Disease Progression; D004443:Echinococcosis / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000601:surgery*; D019353:Endemic Diseases / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007796:Laminectomy; D008297:Male; D009018:Morocco / Q000453:epidemiology; D010146:Pain / Q000469:parasitology; D010264:Paraplegia / Q000469:parasitology; D012008:Recurrence; D012423:Rural Health / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D013123:Spinal Fusion; D013166:Spondylitis / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000601:surgery*; D013904:Thoracic Vertebrae; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000923:Anticestodal Agents; D015766:Albendazole