Transient facial hemiparesis and blurred vision in a Syrian boy

Abstract

Hydatid cyst is a parasitic infestation caused by Echinococcus granulosus. The cyst affects usually liver and lung but it can also affect the brain in approximately 2 % of all cases. We report a case of 11 year male with 2 episodes of facial palsy, intermittent headache and blurred vision (achromatopsia) since 2 months. Extracranial hydatid cyst was diagnosed on computed tomography scan and then magnetic resonance imaging. The cyst was delivered without rupture using AranaIniguez procedure followed by postoperative anthelminthic treatment. Surgery remains the gold standard management. The patient is a Syrian refugee living in Belgium since 6 months. The interest of this presentation exposes the new health challenges that could happen with refugee crisis. We may be encountered at neglected tropical disease that we have never seen. In mostly times, refugees' have perilous journeys before their arrival and the refugee camp are often in overcrowded facilities with unsanitary conditions. Those conditions favour the spread of infectious diseases like scabies, hepatite A or even meningitis.