Published online Jun 28, 2016. doi: 10.4329/wjr.v8.i6.581
Peer-review started: October 3, 2015
First decision: October 27, 2015
Revised: March 5, 2016
Accepted: March 22, 2016
Article in press: March 23, 2016
Published online: June 28, 2016
Processing time: 267 Days and 3.9 Hours
Hydatid disease is a zoonosis that can involve almost any organ in the human body. After the liver, the lungs are the most common site for hydatid disease in adults. Imaging plays a pivotal role in the diagnosis of the disease, as clinical features are often nonspecific. Classical radiological signs of pulmonary hydatid cysts have been described in the literature, aiding in the diagnosis of the disease. However, complicated hydatid cysts can prove to be a diagnostic challenge at times due to their atypical imaging features. Radiography is the initial imaging modality. Computed tomography can provide a specific diagnosis in complicated cases. Ultrasound is particularly useful in peripheral lung lesions. The role of magnetic resonance imaging largely remains unexplored.
Core tip: The lungs are the second-most common site for hydatid disease in adults. The classical radiological signs of pulmonary hydatid cysts have been described in the literature. In this article, we have comprehensively reviewed the various radiological signs and presentations of pulmonary hydatid cysts. We have also described atypical imaging manifestations of the disease. Radiologist should be familiar with the spectrum of the imaging findings in pulmonary hydatid cysts.