Evaluation of pulmonary hydatid cysts in children: 5-year data from a single center

Abstract

Aims: The aim of this study was to evaluate the demographic characteristics, clinical symptoms, complications, and treatment options of patients with pulmonary hydatid cysts. Methods: A retrospective chart review of all pediatric patients (age <18 years) diagnosed with pulmonary hydatid cysts between January 1, 2019 and June 30, 2024 was performed. Patients were divided into two groups: patients with ruptured cyst and patients with unruptured cyst. All data were compared between the two groups. Results: A total of 44 patients with a mean age of 116.01±44.41 months were included in the study. The most common symptom was cough (n=38, 86.4%), followed by chest pain (n=22, 50%). The most common complication was cyst rupture (n=10, 22.7%), and followed by pleural effusion (n=9, 20.5%). Forty-two (95.5%) patients underwent surgery and 14 (31.8%) patients required admission to the intensive care unit admission after surgery. Hemoptysis, cyst diameter, intensive care unit admission, length of stay, and recurrence were significantly more associated with cyst rupture. Conclusion: Pulmonary hydatid cysts should be considered in the differential diagnosis of children presenting with lower respiratory tract symptoms such as fever, cough, hemoptysis, and chest pain, especially in regions where echinococcosis is endemic. Pulmonary hydatid cysts can lead to life-threatening complications such as bronchial rupture. Hemoptysis and larger cyst diameter are associated with bronchial rupture.

Keywords

• Childhood
• cystic echinococcosis
• pulmonary hydatid cyst
• rupture

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