Radiological Features of Pulmonary Hydatid Disease

Objective: To evaluate the chest roentgenogram and CT findings of 63 patients with pulmonary hydatid disease. Methods: Sixty-three (27 female and 36 male, aged between 3 and 76 years) patients with surgically proven pulmonary hydatid cysts were included to the study. Chest roentgenogram and thorax CT were obtained from all the patients. Radiological features (number, localization, diameter, internal architecture) were determined. Results: On CT examination, 107 cysts were determined but on 78 of 107 cysts were detected on chest roentgenogram. Single cysts were seen in 36 patients, while multiple cysts were seen in 27 on CT. Eighteen cysts were larger than 10 cm in diameter. CT scan showed crescent sign (3 patients), water lily sign (9 patients), air-fluid level (11 patients), dry cyst sign (8 patients), and homogenous shadow (46 patients). In addition, atelectasis (n 17), pleural effusion (n 29), and pericystic infiltration (n 38) were also seen on CT. On the other hand, 58 cysts were homogenous and 20 cysts were rüptüred on chest roentgenogram. Conclusion: Although chest roentgenogram is helpful for diagnosis of pulmonary hydatid disease, CT examination must be done to evaluation nature and localization of cysts.