[Hydatidosis bone wall chest: About three cases].

Introduction: Bone hydatidosis of the chest wall is rarely reported in the literature. Costal and sternal location are uncommon. Through 3 observations and literature review, we report particular pathophysiological and diagnostic aspects of costal and sternal hydatidosis. We also discuss therapeutic and prognostic aspects of this disease. OUR CASES: we report the cases of 45, 41 and 17 years old male patients, 2 of them had previous surgery for thoracic wall mass in general surgery service. Clinical presentation was thoracic wall painful mass sticking to bone. One patient had isolated costal location, the 2 others had sternal location; in one of them, the disease is located in sterno-costo-clavicular area. In all 3 cases, the disease was diagnosed by computed tomography (CT) scan, showing bone lysis or mediastinum enlargement. Patients undergo extended bone resection removing away all destructed parts of the bone. After surgery, albendazole has been prescribed to all patients. No recurrence was observed after 12 months follow-up.

Conclusion: Chest wall bone hydatidosis is unusual even in endemic regions, with slow evolution and inconspicuous symptoms. Radiology plays a key role in the management of this disease. Extended surgical resection associated with medical treatment (albendazole) is a reliable treatment without recurrence.