Spinal hydatid cyst was diagnosed in four patients, aged between 21 an
d 35 years, three male and one female between 1983 and 1993. In three
patients, the cysts were epidural and in one intra-vertebral. All pati
ents presented with symptoms of spinal cord compression. Surgical trea
tment was performed in all of the patients. One patient who relapsed s
howed evidence of cure after a second operation, and was given mebenda
zole (Vermox). Histological examination was performed in all of the pa
tients.