[Thoracic hydatic cysts. An important differential diagnosis to tuberculosis among immigrants]

Hydatid cysts, caused by Echinococcus granulosis, most commonly occur in the liver as a space-occupying lesion; the second most common are lung cysts, whereas rupture into the pleural space occurs very rarely. A case of intra-thoracic hydatid cysts with invasion of the pleural space and rupture into the thoracic muscle is described in a young immigrant from Morocco to Europe (Denmark). Hydatid cyst is an important differential diagnosis from tuberculosis in immigrants from areas with endemic echinococcosis and tuberculosis, such as North Africa and the Middle East.