Radiological manifestations of thoracic hydatid cysts: pulmonary and extrapulmonary findings

Abstract

Hydatid cyst caused by the larval form of Echinococcus is a worldwide zoonosis. The lungs and liver are the most common sites involved. While the lung parenchyma is the most common site within the thorax, it may develop in any extrapulmonary region including the pleural cavity, fissures, mediastinum, heart, vascular structures, chest wall, and diaphragm. Imaging plays a pivotal role not only in the diagnosis of hydatid cyst, but also in the visualization of the extent of involvement and complications. The aim of this pictorial review was to comprehensively describe the imaging findings of thoracic hydatid cyst including pulmonary and very unusual extrapulmonary involvements. An outline is also given for the findings of complications and differential diagnosis of thoracic hydatid cyst.

Incidental Left Ventricular Myocardial Hydatid Cyst – A case report

“…William reported the first case of cardiac hydatid cyst in 1936 [2] . Hydatid disease is a parasitic infection by a microorganism, echinococcus granulosis [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 5 , 6 ]. It is commonly present in countries with sheep raising and is an endemic disease.…”

“…Liver (50%-70%) and lungs (20%-30%) are commonly involved in hydatid disease [ 3 , 6 , 7 ] but the involvement of the heart (0.5%-2%) is a rare finding [ 3 , 4 , 6 , 7 ]. Almost any organ can be involved with hydatid disease [7] , except hair, teeth, and fingernails [6] .…”

“…Liver (50%-70%) and lungs (20%-30%) are commonly involved in hydatid disease [ 3 , 6 , 7 ] but the involvement of the heart (0.5%-2%) is a rare finding [ 3 , 4 , 6 , 7 ]. Almost any organ can be involved with hydatid disease [7] , except hair, teeth, and fingernails [6] . The cardiac structures in hydatid disease in descending order are left ventricle [60%] [ 2 , 3 , 5 ], right ventricle (10%), pericardium (7%], [ 3 , 6 ], pulmonary artery (6%), left atrial appendage (6%), and interventricular septum (4%) [3] .…”

“…Almost any organ can be involved with hydatid disease [7] , except hair, teeth, and fingernails [6] . The cardiac structures in hydatid disease in descending order are left ventricle [60%] [ 2 , 3 , 5 ], right ventricle (10%), pericardium (7%], [ 3 , 6 ], pulmonary artery (6%), left atrial appendage (6%), and interventricular septum (4%) [3] . The coronary artery plays a major role in the infestation of the myocardium.…”

Imaging of congenital lung diseases presenting in the adulthood: a pictorial review

“…However, more tubular appearance, close relationship with the esophagus, and a relatively thick wall on CT and MRI images favor esophageal duplication cyst. In addition to the congenital reasons, non-congenital cystic lesions such as hydatid cysts, infected bullae, necrotic lymphadenopathy, and masses can be listed as the differential diagnoses of the bronchogenic cysts [ 3 , 4 , 29 , 30 ] (Fig. 11 ).…”