Hydatid disease in children: Our experience

Conclusion Hydatid disease is not rare in the pediatric age group. The liver and lung are commonly involved, but it may also present as primary disease in unusual sites like the spleen and brain. Proposed risk factors are rural background, farming community, low socioeconomic status, cattle rearing, lack of supply of potable water, and male sex. Intrinsic defects in the filter mechanism of the liver and lungs, dissemination through enteric lymphatic channels, and patency of the ductus arteriosus in early infancy are the proposed causes of unusual presentation of hydatid disease in children. During cyst removal, spillage of the contents must be avoided to prevent recurrence. Community-based measures are recommended for prevention and disease control.
Source: Formosan Journal of Surgery - Category: Surgery Source Type: research