Methods
The cohort comprised eight children investigated for persistent respiratory symptoms and/or persistent radiological abnormalities. Hydatid cyst was considered as a differential diagnosis in five of them.
A complete blood count and differential was done in all children. Chest xrays and CT films were reviewed by a Pediatric Radiologist. Abdominal ultrasonography was used to screen for extrapulmonary cysts. An IgG titre of 1:800 on ELISA was considered positive hydatid serology.
All children underwent flexible fibreoptic bronchoscopy (FFOB) under conscious sedation using a 3.6 mm or 4.8 mm scope. Prior written, informed consent was obtained from a parent, as per the institutional protocol. Sedation was administered using oral triclofos (50 mg/kg) and intravenous midazolam (0.1 mg/kg). Bronchoscopy findings were recorded and BAL fluid was examined. The sediment of centrifuged fluid was also examined. Whenever possible, aspirated material was also sent for histopathologic examination. No lung biopsies were taken during the procedure.