HYDATID CYSTS IN CHILDREN

84 cases of hydatid cysts in children are reported. Presenting sings were non-specific in more than 1/2 the children. Pulmonary localisation predominated and the chest X-ray alone gave the diagnosis in 47 cases with pulmonary cysts. Several organs were involved in 17 cases. Abdominal ultrasound was routinely performed for pulmonary presentations. CT scan was reserved for parenchymal lesions in order to quantify the exact number of cysts present. 107 procedures were performed. In the majority of cases conservative surgery was involved; endocystectomy for pulmonary cysts and partial cystectomy with capitonnage for abdominal cysts. Mebendazole treatment was not considered to be an alternative to surgical treatment and was only used in specific cases.