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.
Highlights
Hydatid cyst (HC) caused by the larval form of Echinococcus is a worldwide zoonosis, which is most commonly caused by Echinococcus granulosus (EG)
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
Extrapulmonary HCs may develop in the chest wall, pleural cavity, fissures, diaphragm, mediastinum, heart chambers, and vascular structures
Summary
Hydatid cyst (HC) caused by the larval form of Echinococcus is a worldwide zoonosis, which is most commonly caused by Echinococcus granulosus (EG). Imaging plays a crucial role in the diagnosis of hydatid cyst in common pulmonary and uncommon extrapulmonary locations. Unusual locations of extrapulmonary hydatid cysts are the chest wall (bones and soft tissues), pleural
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