[Multiple extrapulmonary thoracic hydatidosis]. / L'hydatidose thoracique extrapulmonaire multiple.

INTRODUCTION: Extrapulmonary intrathoracic hydatid cysts are unusual but they may be multiple, particularly during a secondary dissemination. With the aim to clarify the origins of this dissemination, we report our experience in the treatment of multiple thoracic extrapulmonary hydatidosis (MTEH). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Between January 1995 and December 2004, 41 patients were operated on for MTEH in our department. Chest roentgenogram and computed tomography were the main means of diagnosis. The treatment consisted of total surgical removal of the intact cysts. The approach was a postero-lateral thoracotomy (right in 29 cases, left in 8 cases, bilateral in 3 cases) and a median sternotomy in one case. All patients received complementary medical treatment with Albendazol. RESULTS: The MTEH was secondary to haematogenous dissemination in 6 patients (15%), to a hydatid cyst of the lung in 7 patients (17%) and to a hydatid cyst of the liver in 28 patients (68%). 75% of these patients had had a previous surgical intervention for hepatic cyst and 88% of them had diaphragm involvement. There were no deaths among our patients but the recurrence rate was 12%. CONCLUSION: Secondary intrathoracic extrapulmonary hydatidosis is generally seen among patients operated on for hydatid cyst of the liver. Necessary precautions must be taken at the time of surgery to avoid any intrathoracic dissemination.

[Pulmonary hydatid cyst presenting as dysphonia]. / Kyste hydatique du poumon révélé par une dysphonie.

INTRODUCTION: Dysphonia due to compression of the intrathoracic part of the recurrent laryngeal nerve is usually the result of invasion by a malignant tumour. Compression due to an intrapulmonary hydatid cyst is uncommon. CASE REPORT: We report the case of a 56 year old man who presented with cough, dyspnoea and progressive dysphonia. The chest x-ray and thoracic CT scan showed a cystic mass in the left upper lobe in close contact with the arch of the aorta. At surgery the mass proved to be a hydatid cyst of the lung. The treatment was by cystectomy and histological examination confirmed a hydatid cyst. The post-operative result was satisfactory with relief of the compression and improvement in phonation. CONCLUSION: This report illustrates that hydatid cyst of the lung may occasionally present with signs of mediastinal compression.