MEDICAL DECOMPRESSION OF VERTEBRAL HYDATIDOSIS

Study Design. A case report from one of the longest follow-up studies of survivors with spinal hydatid disease. This patient was treated wit h a combination of albendazole and praziquantel chemotherapy; the resu lts of this form of treatment are reported. Objectives. To demonstrate the efficacy of combination albendazole and praziquantel drug treatme nt for spinal hydatidosis. Summary of Background Data. Although echino coccal infestation in humans is a world-wide problem, it is rarely see n in the United Kingdom. Between 1% and 2% of all cases involve bone, and 50% of these involve the spine. The condition has a reported morta lity rate of more than 50%. The average length of survival of patients with echinococcal infestation in Britain after the onset of symptoms is 5 years, and the average age at death is 41 years. Methods. The pat ient in this report had undergone multiple spinal debridement operatio ns alongside internal fixation and presented with increasing parapares is from recurrent disease. Surgery for disease recurrence carries a hi gh risk of mortality. The patient was treated with a preoperative comb ination of albendazole and praziquantel drug therapy, a novel combinat ion for this condition. Results. Response to treatment was monitored c linically, biochemically, and with serial computed tomography. No seri ous side effects were observed. Results were very encouraging. After 2 months of treatment she had improved and was able to walk with the ai d of a walking frame; therefore, surgery was deferred. Conclusion. The combination of albendazole and praziquantel drug therapy appears to b e effective in the conservative treatment of patients with inoperable spinal hydatidosis.