Primary extradural hydatid cyst of spine causing acute paraplegia

Hydatid cysts of the spine are rare, and primary extradural hydatids of the spine are extremely rare. A case of acute paraplegia caused by a primary extradural hydatid cyst of the dorsal spine is reported. In this case, a lipoma of the conus medullaris was found incidentally. A 35-year-old woman presented with sudden-onset paraplegia. In the neurologic examination, she had complete paraplegia and loss of sphincter function and the T12 sensory level. Complete removal of several hydatid cysts was accomplished through a bilateral laminectomy. The patient had not demonstrated recovery 6 months after surgery. Hydatid cysts, although rare, still exist in developing countries and should be considered in cystic lesions of the spine in endemic areas.