Endobronchial echinococcosis presenting as non‐resolving pneumonia

Hydatid disease of the lungs is caused by larval cysts of the Echinococcus tapeworm. Pulmonary cysts may occasionally invade bronchi or pleura as a result of coughing, trauma, or elevated intra‐abdominal pressure. We present the case of a patient evaluated for non‐resolving pneumonia whose radiographic and bronchoscopic findings were strikingly similar to those seen in pulmonary tuberculosis with endobronchial invasion; he was ultimately diagnosed with pulmonary echinococcosis. This case underscores the importance of considering unusual diagnoses even when typical features of more common conditions are present. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2012; 47:716–718. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.