ABSTRACT

Hydatid cyst disease is caused by the metacestod form of Echinococcosis granulosus from cestods. Pulmonary hydatid cyst is the second most frequent form of the disease after the liver involvement and may open into the bronchial or pleural space by perforation and may cause complications. The aim of the study was to evaluate the clinical features and the frequency of the complicated pulmonary hydatid cyst disease.

Fifteen hydatid cyst patients were evaluated according to socio-demographical, clinical and radiological findings between 2009 and 2011 retrospectively. Hydatid cyst diseases were diagnosed histopathologically after chest surgery. Diagnostic difficulties and clinical features were analysed in four complicated pulmonary hydatid cyst cases.

Pneumothorax, pleural effusion, lung abscess, and hemoptysis were observed in four complicated cases. The complicated cases were diagnosed after surgery. Eleven of lung cysts were intact, radiological and histopathological features were typical for images of hydatid cyst disease and reported as compatible with the clinical diagnosis. A synchronized liver and pulmonary hydatid cyst was evaluated as a morbidity factor.

Hydatid cyst should be considered in the differential diagnosis of uncertain chest pathologies, especially in rural areas where the disease is endemic.

Keywords: Hydatid cyst, pulmonary disease, Echinococcosis granulosus