Pleural complications of pulmonary hydatid disease

• Published in: Respirology (Carlton, Vic.) Vic.), 2004-03, Vol.9 (1), p.115-119
• Main Authors: Ozvaran, Mustafa Kursat, Ersoy, Yesim, Uskul, Bahadir, Unver, Ethem, Yalcin, Engin, Baran, Reha, Morice, Rodolfo C.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adolescent; Adult; Child; complicated hydatid cyst; Echinococcosis, Pulmonary - complications; Echinococcosis, Pulmonary - surgery; Female; Humans; hydatid disease; Length of Stay; lung; Male; Middle Aged; pleura; Pleural Diseases - diagnosis; Pleural Diseases - diagnostic imaging; Pleural Diseases - epidemiology; Pleural Diseases - parasitology; Retrospective Studies; Tomography, X-Ray Computed
• ISSN: 1323-7799; 1440-1843
• DOI: 10.1111/j.1440-1843.2003.00518.x

Objective:  The aim of this study was to determine the incidence and diagnostic features of pleural manifestations of pulmonary hydatid disease. Methodology:  Patients with pleural pathology in association with surgery for pulmonary hydatid disease over an 8‐year period were evaluated. Results:  Twenty‐nine (6%) of 474 patients with histologically confirmed pulmonary hydatid disease had pleural abnormalities. The diagnosis was determined preoperatively in 22 patients and was based on radiographic, clinical, and/or serology findings. Bronchoscopic specimens were diagnostic in two of seven patients who had bronchoscopy. Five patients were not diagnosed until surgery. Radiographic abnormalities consisted of pleural thickening and/or free fluid without intrapleural rupture of the cysts in 21 patients. Eight patients had a hydropneumothorax. Sixteen patients had an exudative, uncomplicated effusion. The remaining patients had empyemas. All patients had resection of the pulmonary cysts, and 20 also underwent a pleurectomy. The mean length of hospital stay was 23 ± 14 days. There was no hospital mortality. Conclusion:  Pleural lesions associated with pulmonary hydatid disease are rare and have a variable radiographic appearance. In regions in which echinococcal disease is endemic, a high level of clinical suspicion is necessary for diagnosis and appropriate management of this condition.