[Ultrasonic diagnosis of lung echinococcosis in children]

Echography was used for diagnosis of pulmonary hydatid cysts in 62 patients aged from 2 to 14 years. Ultrasonic examination was carried out after detection of focal image on chest survey roentgenogram. A hydatid cyst of lung's inferior lobe was diagnosed occasionally during abdominal echography due to abdominal pains in 8 (12.9%) children. Echographic picture of pulmonary hydatid cysts was different depending on Echinococcus stage, presence of complications (cyst suppuration, drainage into bronchial tree). Echography clearly shows location, shape, contours, sizes, internal structure of cysts, width of dehiscence of pleural layers in reactive pleurisy, state of adjacent pulmonary tissue. US-diagnosis is most valuable after surgery for monitoring of cyst bed state, volume of pleural exudate, possible complications.