Involvement of vertebral bodies can occur with Echinococcus granulosus.
Presentations may include:
(1) chronic, progressive back pain
(2) sciatica
(3) pathologic fracture
(4) spinal cord compression, including paraplegia
Imaging shows one or more cysts in the affected spines.
Pearls:
(1) multiple vertebral bodies may be affected, with prognosis worse as the number of bones affected increase
(2) other sites of hydatidosis can be seen on imaging studies (liver, kidney, etc)
(3) recurrence is common
(4) excision or aspiration can release cyst contents, thereby causing a severe hypersensitivity reaction
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Specialty: Infectious Diseases
