A pulmonary hydatid cyst is a parasitic disease caused by Echinococcus granulosus.
It leads to the formation of fluid-filled cysts in the lungs, commonly known as hydatid cysts.

The disease is relatively common in rural areas and parts of the Middle East, especially in regions where livestock and dogs are present.

 

What is a lung hydatid cyst?

A hydatid cyst is a parasitic cyst that develops in the lung after infection with Echinococcus.

Humans become accidental hosts after ingesting parasite eggs through contaminated food or water.

Once inside the body, the parasite forms fluid-filled cysts, most commonly in the lungs and liver.

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 How is the infection transmitted?

Infection usually occurs through:

• Eating contaminated vegetables (especially leafy greens like lettuce)

• Poorly washed food (e.g., salads in unhygienic settings)

• Contact with infected dogs without proper hand hygiene

• Living in livestock farming areas

⚠️ Humans do NOT transmit the disease to others.

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Symptoms of pulmonary hydatid cyst

Early stages may be asymptomatic.

As the cyst grows, symptoms may include:

• Chronic cough

• Shortness of breath

• Chest pain

• Sputum production

• Hemoptysis (coughing blood)

 If the cyst ruptures:

• Sudden severe cough

• Expectoration of salty fluid

• Allergic reaction

• Acute breathing difficulty

 This is a medical emergency.

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Diagnosis

Diagnosis is based on:

• Chest X-ray (round, well-defined mass)

• CT scan (most accurate for size and location)

• Blood tests (supportive findings)

⚠️ Biopsy is NOT recommended due to risk of cyst rupture.

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⚠️ Is a hydatid cyst dangerous?

Yes, especially if untreated.

Potential complications include:

• Increase in size causing lung compression

• Rupture into the bronchial tree

• Spread of infection

• Severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis)

 Early treatment is strongly recommended.

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 Treatment of pulmonary hydatid cyst

 Main treatment: Surgery

The preferred treatment in most cases is:

 Surgical removal of the cyst while preserving lung tissue

Goals of surgery:

• Complete removal of the cyst

• Prevention of rupture

• Preservation of lung function

 Types of surgical procedures

1. Cyst removal with lung preservation (most common)

• Opening the cyst

• Removing contents

• Sterilizing the cavity

• Closing the space

2. Lung resection (rare)

• Required only if lung tissue is severely damaged

3. Thoracoscopic surgery (VATS)

• Minimally invasive option

• Suitable for selected cases depending on size and location

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 Is there medical treatment?

Yes, medication such as:

 Albendazole

Used:

• Before surgery (in some cases)

• After surgery

• In inoperable cases

 However, medication alone is usually NOT sufficient for large cysts.

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What happens after surgery?

• Short hospital stay

• Temporary chest tube

• Follow-up imaging

• Gradual improvement in breathing

 Success rates are excellent with proper treatment.

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 Can hydatid cyst recur?

Yes, recurrence may occur if:

• The cyst is not completely removed

• Other cysts are present but undetected

• Re-exposure to infection occurs

 Regular follow-up is important.

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 Prevention

• Wash vegetables thoroughly

• Practice good hand hygiene after animal contact

• Avoid feeding dogs raw animal organs

• Veterinary control in rural areas​

 When should you seek urgent medical care?

• Sudden severe cough

• Acute shortness of breath

• Large amount of fluid expectoration

• Signs of allergic reaction​​

Dr. Mohammad Al-Tarshihi
Consultant Thoracic Surgeon

• Over 30 years of experience

• Specialized in thoracic and lung surgery

📍 Amman – Jordan