Vertebral and Spinal Cord Hydatidosis: A Case Series

Vertebral and Spinal Cord Hydatidosis is an infectious pathology caused by the parasite Echinococcus granulosus. It most often affects the liver and lungs. Spinal hydatidosis represents only 1% of cases, and constitutes a public health problem, particularly in endemic areas, notably in Morocco. Despite its generally benign nature due to its rarity and local growth, vertebra medullary hydatid cyst is classified as a malignant disease due to its high potential for dissemination, which can lead to a notable incidence of recurrence and morbidity. The vertebro-medullary location affects the clinical presentation. Diagnosis has evolved through the magnetic resonance imaging and advances in the genetics, genomics and molecular epidemiology of parasites. Surgery is the treatment of choice associated with anti-parasitic medical treatment with albendazole is recommended to prevent recurrences. The prognosis is uncertain due to the risk of local recurrence and spinal cord compression. Here in, we present a retrospective study of a series of 9 cases of Vertebral and Spinal Cord Hydatidosis diagnosed at the IBN SINA RABAT hospital, during the period from 2009 to January of 2024. Data from radiological, clinical, therapeutic, and evolutionary studies were reviewed. As a conclusion, the objective of this work is to implement awareness-raising actions among the Moroccan population to establish early diagnosis and to involve means of prevention, and to emphasize the importance of therapeutic care to avoid possible recurrences.