Comparison of Pulmonary Hydatid Disease between Children and Adults

Background: Hydatid disease is a parasitic infestation which is endemic in many sheep and cattle raising areas and is still an important health hazard in the world. The aim of this study was to compare the clinical features, radiologic accuracy, and the surgical approaches of pulmonary hydatid cysts among children and adults in Northwestern Iran. Materials and Methods: 445 patients treated for pulmonary hydatid cysts over the last ten years, were retrospectively evaluated. The patients were arranged in two groups. There were 383 adults (86%) and 62 children (14%) and their clinical, radiological and surgical characteristics of the pulmonary hydatid cysts were compared. Results: Unlike adults, in children the frequency of pulmonary hydatid cysts in males was significantly (p=0.0036) higher than in females (65% vs. 36%). Cough was the most common symptom in both groups. The frequency of hemoptysis was more common (p=0.0042) in adults (38%) than in children (19%). However, giant pulmonary hydatid cysts were more commonly found in children (p<0.05). Cystotomy with or without capitonnage was the most preferred method used in both groups. Postoperative complications (pneumothorax) developed in five adults and one child, and were more frequent in noncapitonnage procedures. Only one recurrence was observed in the adult group. The accuracy of chest x-ray was 84% and 74% in children and adults, respectively. Conclusion: Due to the high accuracy of chest x-ray in diagnosis of hydatid cysts of the lung in both groups, it is recommended as the preferred method of diagnosis in endemic regions. (Tanaffos 2007; 6(1): 13-18)