HYDATID DISEASE IN CHILDREN: A different pattern than adults

Hydatidosis is endemic in Iran. We studied hydatid cyst pattern in children, compared it with adults and present our experience. In 40 children, 76 cyst were found. There were multiple large lung cysts unilateral or bilateral in children. In the liver, the chief complaint was abdominal pain and in the lung it was chest pain and asthma-like symptoms. Lung cysts were operated first and liver cysts were postponed for 3-6 months in patients who had both liver and lung involvement. All patients were prescribed albendazole for 10 days before surgery and continued for three months. The patients were followed up by abdominal ultrasonography and chest-XRay every 3 months. We didn’t use any scolicidal agents intraoperatively. Contrary to adults, incidence of involvement is equal in lung and liver (41% and 43%). Combined lung and liver involvement is more frequent in children than adults (16% vs. 4%). However, surgical complications are less frequent in children and their outcome is better.