Unusually located thoracic hydatid cysts.

Abstract

Human hydatid disease caused by the larval form of Echinococcus granulosus has a worldwide distribution and is endemic in many countries. The disease, known since the time of Hippocrates, is primarily an illness of residents in rural areas who frequently come into contact with sheep, cows and carnivores.1-4 The estimated surgical case rate of cystic echinococcus is 0.87-6.6 per 100 000 in Turkey.2 The prevalence of Echinococcus granulosus infestation in dogs in Turkey is between 0.32% and 40% and the reported prevalence of cystic echinococcus in domestic animals has ranged from 11.3 to 50.7% and varies widely by geography.5,6 Echinococcal cysts may develop in almost any part of the body. The liver and the lungs are the most commonly affected areas in adults. Within the thorax most of the cysts settle in the lung parenchyma. In this situation surgical treatment is usually easy and quick. Sometimes the cyst grows as an extrapulmonary lesion or passes over the lung parenchyma to other structures. Location of the disease outside the lung parenchyma in the thorax is rare and surgical procedures can be considered that may differ from those used for pulmonary cysts.7 The aim of this study was to review surgical techniques and possible perioperative complications. We present our experience, documenting the clinical features and the treatment employed for unusually located thoracic hydatid cysts.