Our cases with pulmonary hydatid cysts

We analyzed the data from our clinic to determine the symptoms, radiologic and laboratory features and treatment methods of the patients with pulmonary cyst hydatid. The medical records of 40 patients that treated surgically for lung hydatid cysts were reviewed (2008-2014).Clinical,radiological, laboratory data and types of surgery were collected for each patient. As serological tests for diagnosis, IgE or IgG ELISA against echinococcus granulosus antigen and indirect hemaglutination test were used. The male/female ratio was 23/17. Three patients were asymptomatic. The most common symptom was cough, followed by chest pain, hemoptysis and dyspnea, respectively. Thirty two patients presented only in lung. Eight patients showed lung and liver. Cysts were seen in right upper lobe (n=12)-middle lobe (n=5)-lower lobe (n=11) and left upper lobe (n=10)-lower lobe (n=6). Combined lobe involvement was found in 7 patients. Single sharply demarcated round or oval homogenous opacity was the commonest radiological sign (30 patients). Complicated (because of rupture) cysts such as lung abscess, pleural involvement, pneumonitis and fibrosis were noted in 10 patients. Positive serological tests were found in 29 patients. All of the patients underwent surgery. In the large majority of cases, the surgical treatment was cystotomy, removal of the cystic membrane and capitonnage. Wedge resection was performed in 7 patients and 5 patients required a lobectomy. Decortication was required in 5 patients. Relapses were seen in 5 patients at the time of diagnosis. Hydatid cyst is frequently observed in our country. Clinical, radiological and serological evaluation is very important at the diagnosis. Surgical removal of hydatid cyst is the most effective treatment.