Diagnostic and therapeutic of human hydatidosis. Study of a hospital case series

A case-study on 95 inpatients with hydatid disease admitted to a community hospital in Milan is presented. Clinical records from January 1975 through December 1985 were reviewed. Data were analyzed according to: individual characteristics of the subject; previous history of hydatid disease and present signs and symptoms; tests and instrumental examinations performed to ascertain the disease; type of treatment and outcome. Liver (56%) and lung (18%) were the most commonly involved organs, but lung location was, relatively to age, more frequent in children and teenagers than in adults. Intradermal (Casoni) or serological (Ghedini) tests and scintigraphy for the hepatic localization, and lung stratigraphy or histologic section for the pulmonary one, were the most frequent examinations performed. Seventy-three patients (77%) underwent surgical treatment.