[Complicated hydatid cyst of the lung. Endoscopic diagnosis. Spontaneous favourable outcome]

We report the case of a 16-year old male patient admitted for bronchial suppuration, haemoptysis and opacity with abscess located in the inferior lobe. General deterioration, notably a loss of 10 kg in 2 months, and the radiological findings were strongly suggestive of tuberculosis, pyogenic abscess or malignant process. Bronchial fibroscopy provided a diagnosis of hydatid cyst by showing shreds of the cyst membrane protruding through the opening of the posterior basal segmental bronchus. The diagnosis was confirmed by pathological examination and serological tests. The spontaneous course of the disease was favourable, with complete emptying of the cyst contents following vomica. The need for surgery is discussed.