Solid cerebral echinococcosis mimicking a primary brain tumor

Abstract

Solitary brain affection is rare in echinococcosis. We report the case of a 35-year-old woman presenting with symptomatic grand-mal epilepsy due to a right frontal, partially cystic space-occupying lesion. Pre-operative computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) suggested a cystic astrocytoma. However, histological examination yielded the diagnosis of a 'chitinoma', a rare subtype of solid cerebral hydatid disease (echinococcosis). It mimicked a primary brain tumor and, therefore, posed a diagnostic problem. We present the--to our knowledge--first MRI scans in a case of a histologically proven chitinoma.

Infected or complicated hydatid case mimicking a primary brain tumor

“…2. We agree with Nanassis et al [3] regarding the presence of seizures which are resistant to antiepileptic treatment in patients with cerebral hydatidosis. However, we strongly disagree with their statement "in the majority of cases, cerebral echinococcosis is accompanied by lesions in lung or liver."…”

“…They were close to CSF intensity in both T1-and T2-weighted images (hypointense in T1 and hyperintense in T2), and the cyst walls were hypointense in T2-weighted images [1]. The cyst described in the article of Nanassis et al [3] should be considered a complicated or infected cyst because of the presence of surrounding perifocal edema and contrast enhancement. 4.…”

“…1-4 of Nanassis et al [3]. They were close to CSF intensity in both T1-and T2-weighted images (hypointense in T1 and hyperintense in T2), and the cyst walls were hypointense in T2-weighted images [1].…”

Alveolar echinococcosis of the brain in five patients

“…Infectious protoscolices also exist in the lesion. 2,11 We believe that stereotactic aspiration or biopsy is contraindicated if alveolar hydatid disease is suspected. Care must be taken to avoid spillage when extirpating the lesion.…”

Intracerebral Atypical Presentation of Echinococcosis in a Child

“…An early brain echinococcosis seems to appear neuroradiologically as a well-differentiated tumor [3][4][5] . In this case, the MRI of the brain as well as spectroscopy showed an intraaxial lesion with the characteristics of a low-grade brain tumor.…”