Bronchoscopic extraction of a hydatid membrane in a 26-year-old woman with recurrent pneumonia

Abstract EN

Cystic echinococcosis is a public health problem in endemic areas.

Recurrent pneumonia is a rare complication of ruptured hydrated cysts of the lung.

We report a 26-year-old lady with a recurrent right lower lobe (RLL) pneumonia.

Her CXR and chest CT scan revealed involvement of RLL.

In her history, it was revealed that she had undergone a surgery for liver hydrated cyst two years ago.

During fiber optic bronchoscopy (FOB) for unresolved pneumonia, we extracted the whitish-yellow bright gelatinous membrane obstructing the orifice of the posterior basal segment of RLL.

A follow-up CT scan done six months later revealed clearance of RLL opacity and pleural effusion.

Although treatment of pulmonary hydrated cyst by FOB is an exceptional event, our exceptional case illustrates a complete treatment without any further need for a thoracic surgical procedure which could have many complications and even morbidity.