CLINICAL FEATURES AND OUTCOME ANALYSIS OF INTRACRANIAL HYDATID CYSTS.
BACKGROUND
Hydatid cyst of the brain is serious zoonotic parasitic infections which have profound health consequences if left untreated. The surgical excisions of the cysts are rewarding for both the patient the neurosurgeon.


METHODS
The study was conducted prospectively at Department of Neurosurgery Hayatabad Medical Complex Peshawar from January 2013 to December 2014. Patients with a diagnosis of intracranial hydatid cysts were included, clinical and radiological features recorded, intervention and postoperative outcome were analysed.


RESULTS
Eleven patients with a male to female ratio of 1.7:1. Mean age was 12.4 (SD ± 6.5) years with median GCS on arrival of 10 (SD ± 2.5). Clinical features were headache (81.8%), vomiting (90.9%), seizures (36.4%), focal deficits (54.5%) and papilloedema (72.7%). The median GCS on discharge was 13 (SD ± 1.1) while GOS at 1 month follow up was 4 (SD ± 0.7). The bivariate analysis showed inverse correlation (R² = -0.68; p = 0.02) between duration of symptoms and outcome while GCS on admission was positively correlated (r(s) = 0.75; p = 0.007) with the outcome. There was no mortality.


CONCLUSIONS
Despite its rarity the clinical features are non-specific while radiological features help in establishing diagnosis. Earlier diagnosis and prompt intervention is the key to favourable outcome.
Muhammad Mukhtar
MM
Khan
Mewat
M
Shah
Abdul Aziz
AA
Khan
Riaz
R
ur Rehman
Shahid
S
Ayub
Ayaz
A
Ahmad
Atif
A
Aman
Muhammad Ali
MA
Shah
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001927:Brain Diseases / Q000469:parasitology* / Q000601:surgery*; D002648:Child; D004443:Echinococcosis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D023261:Glasgow Outcome Scale; D006261:Headache / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010211:Papilledema / Q000209:etiology; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012640:Seizures / Q000209:etiology; D014839:Vomiting / Q000209:etiology; D055815:Young Adult