Cerebral hydatid cyst: 31 cases

Hydatid cyst is a pathology observed in developing countries; where it is a serious public health problem. Cerebral localisations are rare and the disease is primarily revealed by cranial hypertension signs, focal deficits, seizures and mental disturbances. The diagnosis is based on cerebral computerised tomography scan. The treatment is surgical with enucleation of the intact cyst. The authors report 31 cases of cerebral hydatid cyst operated during the period 1984 to 2001

[Radioclinic aspects of pediatric lumbar disc herniation. Report of 12 cases]

12 cases of disc herniation in pediatric age group are reported. All patients were teenagers [mean 14 years and 6 months]. Trauma was noted in 50 % of cases. Diagnosis was made with 4 months delay. Severe back pain with sciatica associated with spinal stiffness and pseudo-scoliotic attitude were noted in 10 cases. Imaging modalities included CT Scan and myelography demonstrated the disc herniation and radicular compression in all cases. Congenital spinal abnormalities such narrowed central canal and lateral recess were noted in 3 cases and a listel avulsion in 3 cases. L4-L5 and L5-S1 levels are the most common sites involved. 9 children had surgery and 2 hexatrione chimionucleolysis resultats were excellent in 83 % of cases. Disc herniation is a rare pathology in pediatric age group and teenagers; however, frequency is increased because of the intensevly sport practice among young people. Its main characteristics were predominance of trauma, congenital abnormalities spinal, marked physical complaints, an easy CT scan diagnosis and better therapeutic results