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Updated: Aug 17, 2026
Protocol and Guidelines for Point-of-Care Lung Ultrasound in Diagnosing Neonatal Pulmonary Diseases Based on International Expert Consensus
Published on: March 6, 2019
[Imaging of pulmonary hydatid cyst in children]
1Service de Radiologie, CHU Fattouma Bourguiba, 5000 Monastir, Tunisie. chirazhafsa@yahoo.fr
Insights
Imaging plays a crucial role in diagnosing pediatric pulmonary hydatidosis. Chest radiographs and ultrasound are vital for identifying cysts, with CT useful for complex cases and bronchiectasis.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Pediatric Imaging
- Parasitology
Background:
- Pulmonary hydatidosis is a parasitic infection affecting the lungs.
- Pediatric cases present unique diagnostic challenges.
- Accurate imaging is essential for effective management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the imaging features of pediatric pulmonary hydatidosis.
- To evaluate the utility of different imaging modalities.
- To emphasize the importance of chest radiography and thoraco-abdominal ultrasound.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 232 pediatric cases (18 months to 14 years).
- Review of chest radiographs (n=232), chest ultrasound (n=156), abdominal ultrasound (n=212), and CT scans (n=40).
- Correlation with serology and pathological findings.
Main Results:
- 344 pulmonary cysts identified on radiography; right lung more affected.
- Simple cysts were most common (220/344); complicated forms in 118 cases.
- Ultrasound detected 180 cysts; CT revealed complications like membranes and bronchiectasis in 7 cases.
Conclusions:
- Chest radiography and thoraco-abdominal ultrasound are highly effective for diagnosing pulmonary hydatidosis.
- CT is valuable for complex lesions and detecting complications such as bronchiectasis.
- Comprehensive imaging aids in evaluating lesion extent and guiding treatment.
Purpose:
We present the various imaging features of pediatric pulmonary hydatidosis based upon a series of 232 cases. The importance of chest radiographs and thoraco-abdominal ultrasound is emphasized.
Patients And Methods:
A retrospective study of 232 children with pulmonary hydatidosis is presented. The 232 cases (130 boys and 102 girls, age range: 18 months to 14 years) were studied between January 1982 and December 2001. Chest radiographs were available in all cases, chest ultrasound in 156 cases and abdominal ultrasound in 212 cases. CT was only performed in 40 cases. Surgery was performed for all patients. Diagnosis was confirmed with serology tests and/or pathological study of resected cysts.
Result:
The total number of pulmonary cysts detected on chest radiographs was 344. The right lung was more frequently affected than the left (208 lesions). A simple cyst was the most commonly observed lesion (220 cysts). Complicated forms were noted in 118 cases. 180 cysts were observed at ultrasound. A simple cyst presenting as an anechoic mass was noted in 140 cases. In 38 cases, the lesion was heterogeneous. In two lesions endocystic germinal membranes were detected. CT visualized 50 lesions. Thirty three lesions were complicated with endocystic floating or collapsed membranes. Bronchiectasis was observed in seven cases.
Conclusion:
Chest radiographs and thoraco-abdominal ultrasound are very useful for the diagnosis of pulmonary hydatidosis and evaluation of lesion extension. CT is useful for diagnosis of atypical or complicated lesions and to detect bronchiectasis.
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