Variable clinical presentations of pulmonary hydatid cysts: a four-case series from a single center in United Arab Emirates, non-endemic region.

Pulmonary hydatid disease is an uncommon manifestation of Echinococcus granulosus infection in non-endemic regions and presents diagnostic challenges due to variable clinical and radiological features. We report a four-case series of pulmonary hydatid cysts from a tertiary center in the UAE. Presentations included hemoptysis, pneumonia-like illness with cavitary lesions mimicking malignancy, ruptured cysts with multi-organ involvement, and an incidentally detected large cyst. Diagnosis was established by imaging, supported by bronchoscopy, serology, and histopathology when indicated. Management was primarily surgical using lung parenchyma-preserving techniques, with staged procedures for extensive disease, and adjunctive albendazole therapy. All patients had favorable outcomes without early recurrence or mortality. This series highlights the diverse clinical presentations of pulmonary hydatid disease and underscores the need for clinical suspicion in non-endemic regions to ensure timely diagnosis and appropriate management.