[Hydatid cyst of the lung in children. Apropos of 643 cases].

Six hundred forty-three lung hydatic cysts were observed during a 20-year-period (1967-1986) in the Children's Hospital of Tunis. The mean age of the patients was 5 years (2-15 years) and sex ratio 1.6. 91.2% of the patients had a single cyst, 8.8% had multiple cysts. The association of lung and liver localisations was the one most commonly observed (10%). Intra-pleural rupture of the cyst occurred in 3 cases and intra-bronchial rupture (vomica) in 5 cases. 653 thoracotomies were performed for 710 cystectomies, 3 lobectomies and one pneumonectomy. The results are excellent with a 3% post-surgical morbidity and a 0.5% mortality. Nevertheless, hydatic disease is a serious public health problem in endemic areas.