Pulmonary Hydatid Disease in Children from the Himalayan Region: Clinical Presentation and Surgical Management

Abstract

A BSTRACT Pulmonary hydatid disease remains a significant cause of morbidity among children in endemic Himalayan regions. Nonspecific respiratory symptoms, delayed referral, and limited access to cross-sectional imaging often result in late diagnosis with complicated cysts. To analyze the clinical presentation, radiological findings, and surgical management of pulmonary hydatid disease in children from an endemic Himalayan region. This retrospective observational study included children ≤18 years who underwent surgery for pulmonary hydatid disease at a tertiary center between 2016 and 2025. Demographics, clinical features, serology, imaging, operative details, postoperative complications, hospital stay, and short-term outcomes were analyzed. Descriptive statistics were used. Fifteen children were included (mean age: 9.2 ± 4.9 years). Cough (80%) and fever (73.3%) were the most common complaints. The right lung was involved in 53.3%, most often the right lower lobe. Cyst rupture was present in 53.3%. Serology was positive in 26.7%. Open thoracotomy was performed in 80% and minimally invasive surgery in 20%. All patients underwent cystotomy, with capitonnage in selected cases. Prolonged air leak occurred in 46.7%. Mean hospital stay was 10.2 days, with no recurrence at 6 months. Pulmonary hydatid disease in children from endemic Himalayan regions often presents late with complicated cysts. Early imaging and lung-preserving surgery with adjunctive albendazole therapy yield favorable short-term outcomes.