Hydatid disease is a parasitic induced disease caused by either Echinococcus granulosus or Echinococcus multilocularis during the larval stage of these tapeworms. Hydatid cysts are endemic in many countries, such as Latin America (Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Peru, and Uruguay); followed by Europe (France, Italy, and Greece), the Middle East (Turkey, Lebanon, Syria, and Jordan), Southeast Asia (China, Iran, and India) and Africa (Tunisia and less commonly, Egypt)
Central nervous system (CNS) hydatid cysts is a rare presentation of hydatid cyst, although may be the cause of intracranial space-occupying lesions in 4% in endemic countries. It affects mostly children. The diagnosis of CNS hydatid is still problematic in spite of the advancements in imaging techniques (CT or MRI). Extirpation of the intact cyst is the treatment of choice, resulting in most cases to a complete recovery.