[Echinococcosis with special reference to lung involvement]

In 31 patients with echinococciasis, the medical history, diagnostic and therapeutic aspects were evaluated. Six of these patients revealed an involvement of the lungs. Their symptoms--deteriorated general condition, pain in the chest, coughing or haemoptysis, were unspecific. Nineteen patients were submitted to surgery; ten patients received intermittent mebendazole. Treatment with this drug resulted in a stabilisation of the patient's condition. In inoperable patients, treatment with benzimidazolene should at least be attempted.