Spinal cord compression due to costal Echinococcus multilocularis

We present computerized tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings of a costal hydatid cyst (Echinococcus multilocularis) causing spinal cord compression. The hydatid disease was proved histologically. MRI was not only very useful for determining the spinal extension of the disease by its multiplanar imaging capability, but also gave important information about the texture of the cyst, thus aiding the preoperative diagnosis.