A Rare cause of intracranial mass lesion: Imaging of brain hydatid cyst

Authors: Swati Vijapurkar, Monica Khetrapal, Gade Sandeep

DOI: 10.18231/j.ijca.11718.1760330011

Keywords: hydatid disease; neuroimaging; parasitic infection; brain cyst

Abstract: Hydatid disease, caused by the parasitic tapeworm Echinococcus, rarely involves the central nervous system. Cerebral hydatid cysts predominantly affect children and young adults in endemic regions. The disease typically results from hematogenous spread of the larvae to the brain, where they form fluid-filled cysts. Here we highlight the key radiological features of brain hydatid cysts, which are critical for diagnosis and management. Brain hydatid cysts are usually solitary, spherical, and located in the supratentorial region, especially the parietal lobe. The cyst wall is thin and does not enhance post-contrast. The absence of perilesional edema and the presence of a mass effect without inflammatory response are characteristic features.