Subscribe to RSS
DOI: 10.1055/s-0028-1096207
© Thieme Medical Publishers
Hydatid Disease of the Skull Base: Report of Three Cases and a Literature Review
Publication History
Publication Date:
29 October 2008 (online)
![](https://www.thieme-connect.de/media/sbs/200902/lookinside/thumbnails/10.1055-s-0028-1096207-1.jpg)
ABSTRACT
We report three cases of hydatid disease of the skull base and the treatment thereof. The first involved the anterior cranial fossa and paranasal sinuses. The second was located in the infratemporal fossa. The last involved the temporal bone and posterior cranial fossa. Hydatid disease is endemic in many parts of the world where livestock farming is practiced and is highly endemic in sub-Saharan Africa. Although hydatid disease of the head and neck is rare, it should be considered in the differential diagnosis of cystic disease in the head and neck region. Of the three forms of hydatid disease, Echinococcus granulosis is most common and gives rise to cystic hydatid disease. Most hydatid cysts are “silent,” but become clinically apparent because of their mass effects, when they rupture, or if they become superinfected. Computed tomography scanning and magnetic resonance imaging are the best diagnostic tools. Hydatid disease can be successfully treated by a combination of surgery and chemotherapy.
KEYWORDS
Hydatid disease - skull base - extradural - sinusitis - infratemporal fossa
REFERENCES
- 1 Adaletli I, Yigiter R, Selcuk D, Sirikci A, Senyuz O F. Primary hydatid cyst of the head and neck diagnosed with ultrasound and computed tomography: a report of two cases. South Med J. 2005; 98 830-832
- 2 Sennaroglu L, Onercij M, Turan E, Sungur A. Infratemporal hydatid cyst—unusual location of echinococcosis. J Laryngol Otol. 1994; 108 601-603
- 3 Gangopadhyay K, Abuzeid M O, Kfoury H. Hydatid cyst of the pterygopalatine-infratemporal fossa. J Laryngol Otol. 1996; 110 978-980
- 4 El Kohen A, Benjelloun A, El Quessar A et al.. Multiple hydatid cysts of the neck, the nasopharynx and the skull base revealing cervical vertebral hydatid disease. Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol. 2003; 67 655-662
- 5 Shaw J M, Bornman P C, Krige J E. Hydatid disease of the liver. S Afr J Surg. 2006; 44 70-72, 74–77
- 6 Moro P L, Schantz P M. Echinococcosis: historical landmarks and progress in research and control. Ann Trop Med Parasitol. 2006; 100 703-714
- 7 Craig P S, McManus D P, Lightowlers M W et al.. Prevention and control of cystic echinococcosis. Lancet Infect Dis. 2007; 7 385-394
- 8 Jenkins D J, Romig T, Thompson R C. Emergence/re-emergence of Echinococcus spp.–a global update. Int J Parasitol. 2005; 35(11–12) 1205-1219
- 9 Magambo J, Njoroge E, Zeyhle E. Epidemiology and control of echinococcosis in sub-Saharan Africa. Parasitol Int. 2006; 55(Suppl) S193-S195
- 10 Smedema E, Mayosi B M, Smedema J P. Hydatid disease—the “water lily” sign. S Afr Med J. 2006; 96 1042
- 11 Behari S, Banerji D, Phadke R V et al.. Multiple infected extradural parasellar hydatid cysts. Surg Neurol. 1997; 48 53-57
- 12 Beskonakli E, Cayli S, Yalcinlar Y. Primary intracranial extradural hydatid cyst extending above and below the tentorium. Br J Neurosurg. 1996; 10 315-316
- 13 Kovoor J M, Thomas R D, Chandrashekhar H S et al.. Neurohydatidosis. Australas Radiol. 2007; 51 406-411
- 14 Pasaoglu E, Damgaci L, Tokoglu F et al.. CT findings of hydatid cyst with unusual location: infratemporal fossa. Eur Radiol. 1998; 8 1570-1572
- 15 Lath R, Ratnam B G, Ranjan A. Diagnosis and treatment of multiple hydatid cysts at the craniovertebral junction. Case report. J Neurosurg Spine. 2007; 6 174-177
Oliver W RaynhamM.R.C.S. D.O.-H.N.S. F.C.O.R.L. (SA)
Registrar, Division of Otolaryngology, University of Cape Town Medical School, H-53 Old Main Building
Groote Schuur Hospital, Observatory, Cape Town, 7925, South Africa
Email: oliver_raynham@hotmail.com