Pulmonary hydatid disease in children: a 12 year study

Abstract

Pulmonary hydatid (PH) disease in children is a frequent cause of referral at our hospital.

Patients and Methods: A retrospective study was conducted in children hospitalized for PH disease in the period 1990-2002.

Results: 33 children (39 hospitalizations) aged 4 to 13 years were studied. The diagnosis was based on the clinical picture and chest x-ray in 93% of cases. 26 children had complicated cysts. 20 were treated surgically and 14 solely received albendazole. The most common surgical technique was lobectomy. Post-operative complications were: atelectasis (6), bronchopleural fistulas (5) and pneumonia (4). The development of respiratory complications was significantly associated with complicated cysts or pulmonary resection (p < 0.05). Four patients experienced cyst rupture. Discharge within 2 weeks was registered in 24 patients. 19 patients (18 surgical) were free of PH disease upon discharge.

Conclusions: Surgical treatment proved to be safe and effective, medical therapy could not be evaluated due to poor follow-up. Newer and future studies are needed to confirm our results.