Lung hydatic cysts in children: comparison study between giant and non-giant cysts

The aim of this study is to review our experience in pediatric giant pulmonary hydatid cysts focusing on clinical symptoms, location of the cyst, type of the intervention, postoperative complications and long-term results.

Between June 2002 and May 2007, 118 children were operated on for hydatid lung cysts. Two groups were defined: Group 1, 32 children with giant hydatid cysts and Group 2, 86 children with non-giant cysts. The statistical significance between the groups was estimated using paired samples t test.

The mean age was 11.8 years in G1 and 9.7 years in G2. All of the patients were symptomatic in G1 but only 18% in G2 (P=0.003). The right lower lobe was most frequently involved in both G1 and G2. Surgical parenchymal resection was performed in five patients in G1 (16%) and in 2% in G2 (P=0.033). Postoperative complications in G1 were more significant comparatively to G2 (P=0.003).

Giant hydatid lung cysts represent a distinct pathology. They affect essentially adolescents and may reach a large size causing parenchymal destruction. Thus, surgical resections are frequently used and postoperative complications rate is high.