Anterior pontine hydatid cyst: case report.

ABSTRACT

We report a rare case of anterior pontine hydatid cyst. Diagnosis was established on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings preoperatively and was confirmed during surgery and by laboratory findings of cyst fluid, and section of cyst wall. A classical suboccipital craniectomy was performed, followed by an approach through the floor of the fourth ventricle. After a failed attempt at the Dowling technique, we punctured the cyst, aspirated the contents, then extirpated the cyst membrane. The patient survived suffering only minor morbidity. The surgical technique and pontine myelotomy are discussed.