Spinal hydatid disease: a pressing issue

Abstract

Hydatid disease is a zoonotic disease caused by the Echinococcus tapeworm. The primary hosts include livestock, cats and dogs. Humans can become accidental hosts when ingesting food products or water contaminated by these animals. The most common organs to be affected in humans include the liver and lungs. Bone involvement is rare, accounting for 0.5–3% of all cases. However, when there is spread to bones, the spine is involved in 50% of that subset of cases. This case report highlights an example of spinal cord compression due to partially treated hydatid disease, and the importance of routine follow-up for these patients.