Bronchoscopic Extraction of a Hydatid Membrane in a 26-Year-Old Woman with Recurrent Pneumonia

Cystic echinococcosis is a public health problem in endemic areas. Recurrent pneumonia is a rare complication of ruptured hydatid 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 hydatid cyst two years ago. During fiberoptic 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 hydatid 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.