Evaluating the Effect of Pulmonary Hydatid Cyst on Lung Function Tests in Pediatric Pulmonary Hydatidosis

Background: The effect of treatment on lung function in children with pulmonary hydatid cyst is not determined yet. Regarding the high prevalence of pulmonary involvement in pediatric patients with hydatid cyst and its destructive effects on the lungs, we aimed to evaluate the lung function tests before and after treatment in children with pulmonary hydatid cyst.Methods: 30 pediatric patients with pulmonary hydatid cyst were included in this study. Data was gathered using a checklist which consisted of demographic data and patient characteristics, radiologic findings and diagnostic tests. For all 30 patients, spirometry was performed before and after the treatment.Results: The mean age of patients was 8.5±2.2 years. Most of the patients were male (76%) and living in rural areas (80%). Lower zone of the right lung was the most common site of involvement. Simultaneous involvement of the lung and liver was observed in 13.3% of the patients. Pulmonary function tests were evaluated before and after surgical treatment of the hydatid cyst. The Forced Expiratory Volume 1 (FEV1) and Forced Vital Capacity (FVC) were not significantly different before and after the treatment (P 0.05), but FEV1 to FVC ratio was significantly increased after treatment (P 0.001).Conclusion: The results of this study revealed positive effects of the treatment on the pulmonary function tests in children with pulmonary hydatid cysts. However, further studies are needed in this area.