Cystic Echinococcosis in Children: A 5 Year Retrospective Analysis at Tikur Anbessa Specialized Teaching Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Abstract

Background: Cystic echinococcosis (hydatid cyst) is one of the neglected tropical diseases diagnosed in Ethiopian
children. The aim of our study was to describe characteristics of pediatric hydatid cyst admissions to Tikur
Anbessa Specialized Teaching Hospital.
Methods: We reviewed records of 17 pediatric admissions with a diagnosis of hydatid cyst over a 5 year period
(September 2010 – September 2015). We analyzed the socio-demographic characteristics, clinical presentations,
and diagnostic features of the children and also studied their treatment outcomes and associated complications.
Results: The average age of the children was 7 years and 2 months. The most common location identified for the
cysts were the lungs (13 patients). The most common chief complaints were cough and chest pain. The average size
of cysts was 6.35 cm in diameter. The most common complications were super-infected cysts. All recovered with a
combination of Albendazole and surgical treatment.
Conclusions: Cysts were commonly diagnosed in the lungs and male children outnumber females. Early presentation and diagnosis of CE prevents associated complications. This study also raises awareness of this neglected
illness as a cause of chronic respiratory or abdominal complaints in Ethiopian children.