Unusual radiologic manifestations of the echinococcus infection in the thorax

Diagnosis of Pulmonary Hydatid Cyst by Bronchoscopy

Hydatid cyst is a parasitic infestation caused by Echinococcus granulosus. Lungs are the second most common site of involvement after liver. The diagnosis of complicated pulmonary hydatid cysts may not be easy because hydatid cyst disease mimics tuberculosis, lung cancer, empyema, or abscess. Fiberoptic bronchoscopy can be a valuable tool in the diagnosis of the infestation by visualization of hydatid cyst membrane. Here, we report the case of a 33-year-old woman who presented with hemoptysis and chest discomfort and was diagnosed with a hydatid cyst by fiberoptic bronchoscopy.

Surgical management for hydatid disease

Hydatid disease is caused by the parasite Echinococcus granulosus. The liver and the lungs are common sites. When a cystic lesion is seen on CT scan, diagnosis is made based on the patient having lived in an endemic area. Serologic tests are used for differential diagnosis. Medical treatment is centered on albendazole. Surgery is recommended either by open or endoscopic technique depending on the characteristics of the cysts and the patient. Complications of surgery are rare except for prolonged air leaks. Mortality occurs when the cyst is located in the central nervous system or occludes major vessels.

Pseudotumoral hydatid cyst of chest wall

Hydatid disease is a zoonotic infection caused by Echinoccosis granulosus and our country was an endemic area. Osseous localization is uncommon and can be confused with tumor. We present a case of a hydatid cyst with rib involvement in a 57-year-old man presented with thoracic pain and swelling mimicking chest wall tumor. We confirmed diagnosis only by surgical exploration and histopathology exam because radiology is not conclusive. Surgery remains the first choice for treatment in hydatid cyst disease that can remove the parasite radically. However, in osseous localization pre and postoperative course of albendazole for 6 months associated with surgery can help in sterilizing the cyst and reduce the recurrence rate. Hydatid cyst can involve all the thoracic structures; rib localization is rare and needs surgical resection for total eradication.

Hydatid cyst of the rib: a new case and review of the literature

The hydatid cyst is not rare in our country, but bone lesions are less common. The disease often takes the appearance of abscess or malignant lesion. We report a case of a 35-year-old man with a hydatid cyst of the rib complicated with cutaneous fistula. The surgery allowed both diagnosis and treatment. Albendazole was then administered to prevent relapse.

Hydatid disease of right ventricle and pulmonary arteries: a rare cause of pulmonary embolism--computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging findings (2009: 5b)

Hydatid disease can occur anywhere in the body and can demonstrate different imaging features that vary according to growth stage, associated complications, and affected tissue. Cardiovascular system involvement of hydatid disease is very rare. In this article, we present the cardiac magnetic resonance (MR) and thorax computed tomography (CT), MR angiography (MRA) findings of hydatid cysts located in the right ventricle and pulmonary arteries after surgical removal of hepatic hydatid cysts.

Imaging of Parasitic Diseases of the Thorax

A broad spectrum of parasitic infections frequently affects the lungs, mediastinum, and thoracic wall, manifesting with abnormal imaging findings that often make diagnosis challenging. Although most of these infections result in nonspecific abnormalities, familiarity with their imaging features and the diagnostic pathways help the radiologist to formulate an adequate differential diagnosis and to guide diagnosticians in reaching a definitive diagnosis.

How to diagnose and manage common parasitic pneumonias

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Parasitic pneumonia is being increasingly reported from many parts of the world due to globalization and travel across the continents. This review outlines the recent developments in the diagnosis and management of parasitic pneumonias.

RECENT FINDINGS

A polymerase chain reaction that can differentiate pathogenic Entamoeba histolytica from nonpathogenic species has been reported. It has been observed that pulmonary infection with Leishmania donovani can occur in immunodeficient and lung transplant patients. Acute respiratory distress syndrome, seen in severe falciparum malaria, has also been observed in vivax malaria. A study has demonstrated the return of chloroquine-sensitive falciparum malaria several years after chloroquine treatment was discontinued. Pulmonary hypertension has been reported in Schistosoma hematobium, S. mansoni and S. japonicum infections. Strongyloides hyperinfection and disseminated disease are frequently reported in immunocompromised individuals. Parenteral ivermectin is found to be useful in the treatment of disseminated strongyloidiasis. A chronic mild interstitial lung disease has been found to persist in tropical pulmonary eosinophilia despite treatment. Studies are in progress to develop vaccines against amoebiasis, malaria and hookworm infections.

SUMMARY

Parasitic pneumonia can sometimes be life threatening. If proper diagnosis is made early, the pneumonia can be treated successfully with currently available drugs.