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.
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.
Authors: Alper Gozubuyuk; Bilgehan Savasoz; Sedat Gurkok; Orhan Yucel; Hasan Caylak; Kuthan Kavakli; Mehmet Dakak; Onur Genc Journal: Ann Saudi Med Date: 2007 Jan-Feb Impact factor: 1.526