Hydatid Disease of the Ribs Mimicking Pancoast Tumor: Report of Two Cases

Introduction

Although hydatid disease is rarely seen in the Western world, it is still an important health issue in sheep-raising areas of the world, including South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, the Middle East, Eastern Europe, and South America [[1]]. The most commonly involved organs are the liver and the lung, but it may involve any organ in the body [[2]]. Hydatid disease of the bone, especially of the ribs, has rarely been reported in the literature [[3]]. When located in the superior sulcus it can easily be mistaken for a Pancoast tumor. In areas where hydatid disease is endemic, such as Turkey, it should be included in the differential diagnosis of apical lesions. In this study, we report on two cases of hydatid disease involving the apical ribs and mimicking a Pancoast tumor.

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