Pulmonary hydatidosis in children: a different pattern from adults?

Abstract

Background: Hydatidosis is a major health problem is many countries. It is a parasitic disease that can affect adults as well as children. Hydatid cyst often involves the lungs in children. Given the anatomical and physiological differences between children and adults, generalization from adult studies is inappropriate. Methods: To determine particularities of lung echinococcosis in children, we conducted a retrospective study of all cases treated for hydatid cyst of the lung at our department. Results: One hundred fifteen children (average age, 7 years 6 months; range, 3–15 years) were managed for pulmonary hydatid cyst, which corresponds to 66% of all hydatid localizations. Male predominance was noted (sex ratio=1.94). Cough (60.9%) and chest pain (59.1%) were the most common clinical features. Fever and fatigue were noted in 57 (49.5%) and 34 (29.5%) cases, respectively. Giant cysts were seen in 11 patients (10%). The cysts were mostlydiagnosed when they are intact (68.7%). Mixed hepatic and pulmonary cysts were noted in 27 cases (4.25%). Conservative muscle-sparing surgery was performed in all cases. Complications were noted in 20% of the cases. Conclusion: As hydatidosis has a different pattern in children, optimal management requires a better knowledge of its particularities in this age group.

Thoracotomy in Children: Review from a Low-Income Country

“…This is due to the high elasticity and compressibility of the lungs in children. [24][25][26] In one retrospective review of pediatric hydatid cysts from our institution, the lung was found to be the most common site of involvement in 76.5% of the children. 27 Pulmonary hydatid cyst was also the most common indication for thoracotomy in a study from Turkey in which it accounted for 35% of the procedures.…”