Intrathoracic extrapulmonary hydatid cysts

Abstract

Hydatid cyst disease, or echinococcus, is a parasitic disease caused by the larval stage of Echinococcus granulosis. It remains epidemic in Morocco and other countries. Echinococcal cysts may develop in almost any part of the body. The liver and the lung are the most commonly affected areas in adults. It is not difficult to diagnose typical pulmonary cysts. Conversely, when cysts appear intrathoracically but in extrapulmonary locations, crucial diagnostic difficulties may occur, with atypical clinical and radiological signs. Usually the diagnosis is surgical. The aim is to discuss the mode of dissemination of the parasite in these locations, and the optimal therapy for this entity.

Keywords

• hydatid cyst
• thoracic hydatid cyst
• extrapulmonary
• intrathoracic