Successful removal of a complicated hydatid cyst via bronchoscopy and without surgery: A rare case report

TL;DR

A rare case of a complex lung hydatid cyst was successfully treated using bronchoscopy instead of surgery, offering a safer alternative for high-risk patients.

Contribution

Demonstrates bronchoscopy as a successful non-surgical treatment for a complex pulmonary hydatid cyst in a high-risk patient.

Findings

Bronchoscopy allowed direct visualization and removal of the cystic material.

Histopathological evaluation confirmed the diagnosis of a hydatid cyst.

The patient showed significant improvement with albendazole treatment and no need for surgery.

Abstract

Pulmonary hydatid cysts have always been associated with diagnostic and therapeutic challenges, especially in endemic areas. While surgical resection is the primary treatment for large cysts, bronchoscopy has been used as a potential alternative for selected cases.

We report a rare case of a 70-year-old diabetic patient with a complex pulmonary hydatid cyst who was successfully managed by bronchoscopy without surgical intervention. The patient presented with a nonproductive cough, and imaging showed a heterogeneous non-cavitated mass with central necrosis. During diagnostic bronchoscopy, cystic components were identified and removed, and histopathological evaluations confirmed the hydatid cyst.

The patient was treated with albendazole and showed significant improvement in imaging after one month.

This case highlights the potential of bronchoscopy as a minimally invasive diagnostic and therapeutic tool for pulmonary hydatid disease, reducing the need for surgery in high-risk patients.

•Rare hydatid cyst removed via bronchoscopy without surgical intervention.•Bronchoscopy enabled direct visualization and extraction of cystic material.•Diagnosis confirmed by histopathology and treated with albendazole.•Patient improved without need for high-risk surgery.•Bronchoscopy offers a safe option for complex cysts in high-risk patients.

Rare hydatid cyst removed via bronchoscopy without surgical intervention.

Bronchoscopy enabled direct visualization and extraction of cystic material.

Diagnosis confirmed by histopathology and treated with albendazole.

Patient improved without need for high-risk surgery.

Bronchoscopy offers a safe option for complex cysts in high-risk patients.

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