Pulmonary Hydatid Cyst in Children: A Single-Institution Experience
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Published on: March 31, 2023
Osman Hakan Kocaman1, Tansel Günendi1, Osman Dere2
1Pediatric Surgery, Harran University Faculty of Medicine, Şanlıurfa, TUR.
Insights
Pulmonary hydatid cysts, common in children in endemic areas, often rupture, especially smaller ones. Early diagnosis and parenchyma-sparing surgical methods are crucial for effective management and preventing complications.
Area of Science:
- Medical Science
- Parasitology
- Thoracic Surgery
Background:
- Hydatid cysts, caused by Echinococcus granulosus, can affect various organs, with pulmonary involvement being significant.
- Pulmonary hydatid cysts present a higher risk of rupture compared to hepatic cysts, necessitating specific clinical attention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the demographic, clinical, radiological, and surgical characteristics of patients with pulmonary hydatid cysts.
- To evaluate surgical outcomes and postoperative complications in pulmonary hydatid cyst cases.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 94 patients operated on for pulmonary hydatid cysts between January 2011 and October 2021.
- Classification of patients into two groups: those with ruptured and non-ruptured pulmonary hydatid cysts.
Main Results:
- 120 pulmonary hydatid cysts were identified in 94 patients; 52.5% of cysts had ruptured.
- Cyst rupture was significantly associated with smaller cyst diameter (<10 cm) and higher incidence of fever and hemoptysis.
- Postoperative pneumothorax occurred in six patients, with one case following video-assisted thoracoscopy (VATS).
Conclusions:
- Pulmonary hydatid cysts should be considered in children with respiratory symptoms in endemic regions.
- Parenchyma-sparing surgical techniques are recommended as the primary treatment modality.
- Close monitoring for early and late postoperative complications is essential for patient management.
Objective:
Hydatid cysts can occur in any place such as the liver, lung, spleen, kidney, brain, and soft tissue. Pulmonary hydatid cysts are more prone to rupture than liver hydatid cysts. In this study, we aimed to present the demographic characteristics, clinical symptoms, radiological findings, surgical findings, type of surgery performed, and postoperative complications of patients with pulmonary hydatid cysts.
Materials And Method:
The files of 94 patients who were operated on for pulmonary hydatid cysts in our clinic between January 2011 and October 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were divided into two groups: ruptured pulmonary hydatid cysts and non-ruptured pulmonary hydatid cysts.
Results:
A total of 120 pulmonary hydatid cysts were detected in 94 patients who were operated on for pulmonary hydatid cysts. Cyst rupture was detected in 63 (52.5%) patients. Rupture was found significantly higher in cysts with a diameter of <10 cm (p=0.005). Complaints of fever and hemoptysis were found significantly higher in the ruptured group. Pneumothorax was detected in six patients after the operation with an average of two months, one of which was the patient who underwent video-assisted thoracoscopy (VATS).
Conclusion:
Pulmonary hydatid cyst should be kept in mind in children presenting with lower respiratory tract symptoms in regions where echinococcosis is endemic. Parenchyma-sparing methods should be the first choice in the management of pulmonary hydatid cysts. Patients who develop early postoperative complications should also be followed closely for late impediments.
