Spinal hydatidosis mimicking Guillain Barre syndrome: in case of doubt there is no rush to perform lumbar puncture

Abstract

Guillain Barre Syndrome (GBS) is a challenging pathology which diagnosis is based essentially on the clinical examination and the results of lumbar puncture. Differential diagnosis must be discussed if the clinical picture is not complete. We present the case of a patient who presented to the emergency department with symptoms evoking both GBS and spinal cord compression. The Radiology showed a diffused spinal hydatidosis. The lumbar puncture must be carefully considered. In this case, it would have exposed the patient to hydatid dissemination.

Thoracic Endodermal Sinus Tumor with Root Compression Mimicking Guillain–Barre Syndrome in Clinical Presentation, CSF Studies, and EMG/NCV Findings

“…7 Spinal hydatid cysts have been reported in an adult patient with clinical GBS but no electrophysiological or CSF studies were performed. 8 Germ cell tumors (GCT) arise from primordial germ cells and account for approximately 3% of cancers in children younger than 15 years of age. 9 GCTs are divided into germinomas or nongerminomatous GCTs, the latter which includes embryonal carcinoma, choriocarcinoma, teratoma, and endodermal sinus tumor (also known as yolk sac tumor).…”

Echinococcosis of the spine

“…Therefore, cyst aspiration is rarely, if ever, performed. 48 , 62 , 82 Nevertheless, a few cases have been reported in which the cysts were drained for therapeutic purposes in patients in whom surgery was not an option. 83 , 84 …”