Computed Tomography Features of Pulmonary Hydatid Cysts: Factors Related to Cyst Rupture and Clinical and Therapeutic Issues

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to present computed tomography (CT) findings associated with the rupture of a pulmonary hydatid cyst (HC) and to assess related factors. HC rupture is a serious and potentially life-threatening complication of hydatid disease, also known as echinococcosis. Materials and Methods: The case records of 125 patients with a confirmed pulmonary HC and who underwent CT evaluation were included and studied retrospectively. The CT images were analyzed for radiologic findings and signs of rupture, and the cysts were classified based on a manifestation of rupture and size (giant cyst). Results: In the group, 52% of the patients were female. It was determined that 60.8% (n=76) of the cysts were solitary, and most were located in the right lung (n=71, 54.4%), lower lobes (n=83, 66.4%), or periphery (n=92, 73.6%). There were 64 (51.2%) ruptured cysts. The most common finding in cases of contained rupture cases was the air bubble sign (n=16, 12.8%), and the water lily sign (n=13, 10.4%) was most frequent in complete rupture cases. The rates of airway compression, consolidation, pleural effusion, cysto-bronchial fistula, and lung resection were significantly higher in cases of ruptured cysts, in addition to the length of hospitalization (p