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[Hydatid cyst of the lung in children. Apropos of 643 cases]
B Chaouachi1, A Nouri, S Ben Salah
1CHU Habib-Thameur, Tunis, Tunisie.
Insights
This study reviewed 643 pediatric lung hydatid cysts over 20 years. Surgical intervention yielded excellent outcomes, but hydatid disease remains a public health concern in endemic regions.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Surgery
- Parasitology
- Public Health
Context:
- Hydatid disease, caused by Echinococcus granulosus, is a significant parasitic infection.
- Lung involvement in pediatric hydatidosis requires specific surgical considerations.
- This study analyzes a large cohort of pediatric lung hydatid cysts from a tertiary referral center.
Purpose:
- To report the epidemiological characteristics and surgical management of pediatric lung hydatid cysts.
- To evaluate the surgical outcomes and complications associated with lung hydatid cyst treatment.
- To highlight the public health implications of hydatid disease in endemic areas.
Summary:
- A 20-year retrospective review (1967-1986) identified 643 pediatric lung hydatid cysts.
- The mean patient age was 5 years, with a male predominance (sex ratio 1.6).
- Most patients had single cysts (91.2%), with common co-occurrence of lung and liver cysts (10%).
- Rupture complications included 3 intra-pleural and 5 intra-bronchial (vomica) events.
- Surgical procedures included 710 cystectomies, 3 lobectomies, and 1 pneumonectomy, with 653 thoracotomies performed.
- Excellent surgical results were achieved, with 3% post-surgical morbidity and 0.5% mortality.
Impact:
- Surgical management of pediatric lung hydatid cysts can achieve excellent outcomes with low morbidity and mortality.
- Effective treatment strategies are crucial for managing this parasitic infection in children.
- The persistence of hydatid disease underscores the need for ongoing public health initiatives in endemic regions.
Abstract:
Six hundred forty-three lung hydatic cysts were observed during a 20-year-period (1967-1986) in the Children's Hospital of Tunis. The mean age of the patients was 5 years (2-15 years) and sex ratio 1.6. 91.2% of the patients had a single cyst, 8.8% had multiple cysts. The association of lung and liver localisations was the one most commonly observed (10%). Intra-pleural rupture of the cyst occurred in 3 cases and intra-bronchial rupture (vomica) in 5 cases. 653 thoracotomies were performed for 710 cystectomies, 3 lobectomies and one pneumonectomy. The results are excellent with a 3% post-surgical morbidity and a 0.5% mortality. Nevertheless, hydatic disease is a serious public health problem in endemic areas.