Diagnosis and Management Approaches for Cerebellar Hydatid Cysts: A Systematic Review of Cases

Cerebellar hydatid cysts are uncommon lesions, with limited cases reported in the literature. This systematic review aimed to summarize current diagnostic and management approaches, given the low suspicion index of hydatid cysts in the cerebellum. The review was registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) under registration number CRD42023437853. This study followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA-P) reporting guidelines. Two independent researchers searched PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases on June 27, 2023. We included 15 studies published between 1965 and 2022, comprising 12 case reports and three case series. A pooled analysis of reported cases (nine females and seven males) with cerebellar hydatid cysts revealed a mean age of 24 ± 20 years. Most of the cases were reported in Turkish hospitals (n = 8). The prominent signs and symptoms observed were headaches (10, 62.5%), ataxic gait (9, 56.25%), and visual disturbances (9, 56.25%). The time from symptom onset to hospital visit varied, with most patients seeking medical attention within the first three months. The left cerebellar hemisphere was the most common location of the cysts (6, 37.5%), and compression of the fourth ventricle was frequently observed. Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were the primary diagnostic tools used in three-fourths of cases, and surgical intervention was the primary treatment approach. Albendazole and praziquantel were commonly prescribed postoperatively, and two patients underwent preoperative needle decompression. This systematic review contributes to a better understanding of cerebellar hydatid cysts and guides future research and clinical management of this entity.