Cerebral hydatid cysts in children.

Twelve children with intracranial cysts of Echinococcus granulosus underwent surgery during a period of 5 years and constituted 19% of all children operated on for intracranial space-occupying lesions. The more common symptoms were raised intracranial pressure (8 cases) and hemiparesis (7 cases). The total number of procedures was 14, with a standard craniotomy approach in 13. In 6 the cysts were removed without puncture or rupture, in 5 puncture and drainage were carried out before removal of capsule, and in 3 the cyst ruptured accidentally. Recurrence of multiple cysts occurred in 1 case and another patient was reoperated on twice for recurrent cysts after an operation in another center. There was no mortality. Non-bacterial meningitis occurred in 2 cases. Although drainage of the cyst contents greatly facilitates removal, it also carries a risk of contamination; thus a traditional approach via a large craniotomy seems to be the safest choice.