[Hydatid disease of the first rib treated surgically by the Roos approach]

Hydatid disease is a parasitic infection due to Echinococcus granulosus. Since involvement of the ribs and in particular the first rib is rare, diagnosis and treatment in these locations can pose special problems. The purpose of this report is to describe the case of a 27-year-old man in whom an apical left opacity was discovered by chance. Clinical examination was normal. Thoracic ultrasound demonstrated multilocular cyst in the left apical region of the thorax. Thoracic computed tomography (CT) demonstrated a hydatid cyst originating from the first rib. The patient was operated using the technique known as the Roos approach. The procedure consisted of cystectomy with resection of the first rib. The multiloculated appearance of the lesion and erosion at the first rib was consistent with hydatid cyst. The Roos approach is the technique of choice for the treatment of the first rib.