Bronchoscopy in pulmonary hydatidosis: retrospective analysis.

The diagnosis of unruptured pulmonary hydatidosis is based on classical radiologic features. However, ruptured or complicated hydatid cysts alter the radiologic signs and lead to delayed or incorrect diagnosis. The role of flexible bronchoscopy was assessed as a diagnostic tool in the evaluation in such cases. Between 2002 and 2008, 14 patients (7 female, 7 male), aged between 18 and 55 years, with a mean age of 36 years, were evaluated for pulmonary hydatidosis. Clinical history, radiologic findings, and other investigations of the patients were reviewed retrospectively at a tertiary referral center. All 14 patients were symptomatic, with cough, hemoptysis, and chest pain being the most common symptoms. Seven patients had right lung involvement, whereas 6 patients had left-sided predilection, and the remainder presented with pleural disease. At flexible bronchoscopy, white glistening membrane could be observed in 9 patients, whereas cytologic evaluation of bronchial washing did not show cuticular particles, degenerated scoleces, or hooklets in any of the cases. Twelve patients underwent uneventful surgical intervention. Surgical specimens showed 2 unruptured pulmonary hydatid cysts (uncomplicated), 1 pleural hydatid, and 9 ruptured pulmonary hydatid cysts. Of the 9 ruptured hydatid cyst cases, evidence of fungal (aspergillus) colonization, bacterial infection, and coexistent tuberculous granuloma was reported in 2 cases each. Bronchoscopy is an important tool that aids in confirming the diagnosis before surgery, especially in complicated pulmonary hydatidosis. Special stains for cytologic specimen should be used if the possibility of ruptured hydatid is thought to improve the diagnostic yield. The histopathology of the surgical specimen should be reviewed for associated secondary infection and fungal colonization.