Mediastinal hydatid cyst.

BACKGROUND The objective of this study was to report our experience in the management of hydatid cysts of the mediastinum. METHODS Among 206 patients who underwent surgery in our department for intrathoracic hydatid cysts between September 2001 and September 2008, 7 patients (3.4%) aged 24 to 49 years (mean, 36.2 years) had mediastinal hydatid cysts. Imaging consisted of chest X-ray and computed tomography. Surgical approach was by posterolateral thoracotomy in all cases. RESULTS The cyst was located in the posterior mediastinum in 3 cases (42.8%), in the anterior mediastinum in 2 cases (28.5%) and in the middle mediastinum in 2 cases (28.5%). Two patients had cysts in other thoracic locations (diaphragm, pleural). All cysts were intact. Surgical approach was right thoracotomy in 5 patients (71.4%) and left thoracotomy in 2 patients (28.5%). In 5 cases, a small part of the cyst wall intimately adherent to vital structures was left in place. There were no postoperative complications or mortality. CONCLUSION Mediastinal hydatid cyst is an uncommon disease. Because of the surrounding vital structures, the cyst should be removed immediately. Surgical removal remains the treatment of choice for mediastinal echinococcosis, without extensive resection when progression of dissection is impossible or dangerous.