CT and MRI features of spinal hydatidosis. A report of 8 cases

Purpose. Hydatidosis affects the bone in 0.5 to 2% of cases, with 44% of th ese cases involving the spine. We report 8 cases of vertebral involvement e valuated by CT and/or MRL Materials and Methods. This retrospective study from January 1996 to August 2000 included seven patients (5 men and 3 women) aged between 28 and 65 ye ars old. The mean age was 45 years old. Five patients underwent CT scan (on e by CT-myelography). MRI was available in 4 cases. Results. Imaging showed multicystic bony lesions. Thoracic involvement was present in 4 cases, lumbar involvement in 2 cases, and sacral involvement i n 2 cases. The process involved 2 adjacent vertebrae in 4 cases at the thor acic and lumbar levels and the entire sacrum in the other cases. Only one c ase of vertebral collapse was noted, but extension into the spinal canal wa s noted in all cases. Other sites of invovement were also noted, especially in adjacent soft tissues, liver and spleen. Conclusion. The presence of multicystic vertebral lesions with involvement of adjacent soft tissues and/or distant organs should raise the possibility of spinal hydatidosis in endemic countries.