Ruptured Hydatid Cyst diagnosed by Bronchoscopy in a young patient with Hemoptysis

A 31- year old male patient of Nepalese origin presented with sudden onset of hemoptysis and mild chest discomfort. The chest radiograph of the patient showed a soft tissue density in the right lower zone and computerized tomography of the chest showed a rounded opacity with fluid density within the right lower lobe. Bronchoscopy showed gelatinous, white membrane- like structures extruding from the posterior basal segment of the right lower lobe. The membranes were sucked out partially and histologic examination showed laminated membranes suggestive of hydatid cyst. Patient also went for surgery and was treated with albendazole for 3 months. Hence, bronchoscopy can be a valuable aid in the diagnosis of a ruptured hydatid cyst of the lung.