A female with cough, dyspnoea and chest pain

Imaging features of the lungs hydatid cyst disseminated into the brain and spleen

Hydatid cyst commonly affects liver followed by lung, but rarely affects may be found in almost any organ simultaneously. We present an unusual case of disseminated pulmonary hydatidosis and its imaging features before medical therapy. Diagnosis was confirmed by pathologic findings and positive response to antihelminthic drugs.

Radiologic features of hydatid disease: the importance of sonography

Hydatid disease is commonly encountered in specific geographic areas of the world. Hydatidosis affects multiple organs and has diverse radiologic presentations. Sonography remains an important modality for diagnosing this condition, as it optimally detects cystic structures, floating membranes, and debris. Sonography forms the crux of radiologic diagnosis of hydatid disease. It not only helps diagnose the disease but also aids in guiding therapeutic interventions. The main objective of this article is to describe the imaging features of hydatid disease in its various stages. This article gives an overview of the spectrum of sonographic manifestations of hydatid disease in various locations, along with common differential diagnoses. A brief description of therapeutic management is also presented.

Hydatid disease from head to toe

Hydatid disease (HD) is a unique parasitic disease that is endemic in many parts of the world. HD can occur almost anywhere in the body and demonstrates a variety of imaging features that vary according to growth stage, associated complications, and affected tissue. Radiologic findings range from purely cystic lesions to a completely solid appearance. Calcification is more common in HD of the liver, spleen, and kidney. HD can become quite large in compressible organs. Hydatid cysts (HCs) can be solitary or multiple. Chest radiography, ultrasonography (US), computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance (MR) imaging, and even urography can depict HCs. The imaging method used depends on the involved organ and the growth stage of the cyst. US most clearly demonstrates the hydatid sands in purely cystic lesions, as well as floating membranes, daughter cysts, and vesicles. CT is best for detecting calcification and revealing the internal cystic structure posterior to calcification. MR imaging is especially helpful in detecting HCs of the central nervous system. Radiologic and serologic findings can generally help establish the diagnosis of HD, but an HC in an unusual location with atypical imaging findings may complicate the differential diagnosis. Nevertheless, familiarity with imaging findings, especially in patients living in endemic regions, is advantageous in this context.