Pulmonary hydatidosis in a tertiary care hospital

Hydatid disease is caused by the larval stage of Echinococcus. Liver is the most commonly involved organ followed by the lungs. Pulmonary hydatidosis can be primary or secondary. The disease may be asymptomatic for several years. Cause of concern is the fatal anaphylaxis, which may be life threatening.

The present retrospective study is over a period of ten years (2003-2012). The demographic data including the clinical features, radiological findings, other organ involvement, surgical and medical management done and histopathological findings were compiled from the records.

During the study period a total of eight cases, five male and three female, with age ranging from eight to 43 years were diagnosed as pulmonary hydatid disease. Five patients had presented with complicated cysts. Six patients had solitary cysts involving the lung while bilateral lung involvement was seen in two cases. One patient had multiple pulmonary cysts. Three patients had associated cysts in liver and two in spleen. Surgical lobectomy was done in four cases. Histopathology showed acellular laminated ectocysts in all the cases, whereas endocyst with brood capsules was seen in five cases.

Pulmonary hydatidosis is not uncommon. Anaphylaxis, although rarely seen, may be a disastrous event. High index of clinical suspicion and mass awareness for interruption of transmission of parasite can lead to proper treatment and possible eradication.