A rare case of primary multiple hydatid cysts of the brain in a 10-year-old child

Echinococcus is a cestode. The most common Echinococcus species causing human infection are E. granulosus and E. multilocularis. The commonest sites for cysts are the liver (59%–75%), followed in frequency by lung (27%), kidney (3%), bone (1%–4%) and brain (1%–2%). Other sites such as the heart, spleen, pancreas and muscles are very rarely affected. Multi-organ involvement without liver cysts is reported. Brain cysts caused by E. granulosus are rare; they occur during childhood in endemic areas. Cerebral hydatid cysts are usually supratentorial and tend to occur in the middle cerebral artery distribution. The cyst’s predilection for white matter is undisputed, but the exact reason for this is unknown; some believe it is because of the arterial distribution.