Hydatid disease of rib

Osseous hydatidosis, especially when located in the rib, is a very rare disease. In 1978, only 39 costal echinococcosis cases were published. The course of the disease is generally slow and laboratory tests are frequently negative. Diagnosis is generally made through the combined assessment of clinical, radiologic, and laboratory data. Living in a rural area is an important risk factor for the disease. The gold standard for therapy is radical removal of the involved ribs or chest wall. We present the case of a 63-year-old herdsman with costal echinococcosis and a review of the literature. (Ann Thorac Surg 2001;71:372-3) (C) 2001 by The Society of Thoracic Surgeons.