Four pathways for hydatid pulmonary embolism

Hydatid pulmonary embolism (HPE) is rare but remains an etiology that needs to be considered and kept in mind, especially in endemic areas, as regards nonthrombotic embolism.

Between 2000 and 2014, 10 patients were treated in our department for the presence of hydatid material in the pulmonary arterial circulation. Through these 10 cases, we try to assess the radioclinical characteristics and results of the surgical treatment.

The study included six men and four women, average age 28 years. Discovery of HPE was made following the exploration of cardiorespiratory symptoms in nine cases and was incidental in a single patient. Computed tomography angiography (CTA) of the chest directly visualized the hydatid material in the pulmonary arteries in nine cases. Surgery consisted of an embolectomy under cardiopulmonary bypass in nine cases. This embolectomy was preceded by the treatment of an embolic hydatid cyst (HC) in seven cases (HCs of the right heart chambers in six cases and a liver HC ruptured in the inferior vena cava in one case), whereas for only one patient, who presented a HC pedunculated in the right ventricle and protruding into the pulmonary artery, the cure of the cardiac location was sufficient. Only one patient died on the third postoperative day.

Endoluminal hydatid involvement of pulmonary arteries is extremely rare. CTA chest has an important contribution to the positive diagnosis. Treatment is surgical when the patient's condition allows it.