title: Giant hydatid cyst in the posterior fossa of a child.
abstract: The hydatid cyst (HC) is endemic in Mediterranean region including Syria. The central nervous system is involved in 2-3% of cases. HC in cerebellum is very rare. We report a case that presented as an emergency for high intracranial pressure and deteriorating Glascow coma scale. Close monitoring and precise surgical management using Dowling's technique resulted in very good outcome with full recovery. We highlight the need for very careful surgical treatment because cyst rupture and secondary hydatidosis due to spillage of the cyst contents can dramatically worsen the outcome. HC should be taken into consideration in countries where hydatid infestation is endemic.
authors.affiliation: Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, Aleppo University Hospital, Aleppo, Syria.
authors.forename: Fakhr
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Fakhouri
authors.affiliation: Associated Professor of Neurosurgery and Chief of Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, Aleppo University Hospital, Aleppo, Syria.
authors.forename: Abdelwahed
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Ghajar
authors.affiliation: Professor of General Surgery and Chief of Department of Surgery, Aleppo University Hospital, Aleppo, Syria.
authors.forename: Nihad
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Mahli
authors.affiliation: Neurosurgery Resident, Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, Aleppo University Hospital, Aleppo, Syria.
authors.forename: Nihad
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Shoumal
keywords: Children; Dowling's technique; elevated intracranial pressure; hydatid cyst; posterior fossa