Bronchoscopic Diagnosis of Ruptured Pulmonary Hydatid Cyst Presenting As Nonresolving Pneumonia: Report of Two Patients

The diagnosis and management of pulmonary hydatid disease represents an important clinical problem in areas of the world endemic to echinococcal infection. We report two patients, ages 14 and 34, respectively, who were admitted to our clinic for investigation of nonresolving pneumonia. Neither had responded to antibiotics prior to admission. Chest x-rays demonstrated lobar collapse and consolidation in both patients. Fiberoptic bronchoscopy revealed laminated membrane of hydatid cyst occluding the bronchus of apicoposterior and anterior segmental bronchi of the left upper lobe in the first patient and the anterior segment of the right upper lobe in the second patient. The diagnoses were confirmed at the time of surgery.