Features of pulmonary hydatidosis in 368 patients admitted to a regional hospital

Lungs are the second location in frequency of hydatidosis or cystic echinococcosis. To characterize the clinical manifestations, diagnosis, findings and treatment of patients hospitalized for a pulmonary hydatid cyst (PHC). Review of databases, medical records, operation notes and death certificates of patients admitted to a Chilean regional hospital with a PHC. Four hundred twenty-nine cases were identified and complete data was obtained from 368 patients aged 34 ± 19 years, 224 (60,9%)men. The most common clinical manifestations were cough in 269 (73%) and chest pain in 217 (59%). The most frequent locations were the right lung in 210 (57%) and lower lobes in 218 (59%). One hundred eighty-seven cysts (51%) were complicated. Conservative surgery (cystectomy) was performed in 308 (84%). Postoperative morbidity was observed in 77 (21%) and mortality in 6 (2%) patients. Recurrence was observed in 28 (8%) patients. There was a significant reduction in morbidity, mortality, reoperations, and postoperative days over time. In these patients, pulmonary hydatidosis was diagnosed mainly during working ages and half of patients had a complicated cyst.