Abstract

Multiple pleural hydatid cysts associated with destruction of the ver­tebral column through an intervertebral foramen Is an uncommon clinical entity. We present a 22-year-old man who underwent left tho­racotomy for the removal of multiple pleural hydatid cysts associated with destruction of the vertebral column. In his history, he was oper­ated for the removal of a left lung hydatid cyst at the age of eight. He had back pain and his physical examination was normal. A thoracal computed tomography (CT) scan revealed cystic lesion which eroded the costotransverse joint of the fourth thoracal vertebra and caused destruction of the vertebral column.