[Cardiac hydatid cyst. Which imaging modality for an accurate diagnosis?]

Cardiac hydatid cyst: 2 case reports

Hydatidosis is a parasitic disease that is still prevalent in regions that rear farm animals, notably along the Mediterranean coast. The liver and lungs are most commonly involved. Cardiac hydatidosis has been reported infrequently even in countries in which hydatid disease is endemic. This entity must be known because when undiagnosed and untreated, the risk of fatal complications increases. We report 2 cases of cardiac echinococcal cysts in young men. The first case is an incidentaloma in a patient admitted for pancreatitis. The second case is about a patient admitted for dyspnea. CT scan and MRI were performed showing intraventrucular cystic mass with a calcified wall which was very suggestive of a hydatid cyst diagnosis. We would like to emphasize the relevance of imaging in this context and shade some light on imaging diagnostic tools.

Surgical Management and Outcomes of Cardiac and Great Vessels Echinococcosis: A 16-Year Experience

BACKGROUND

Cardiac involvement is an uncommon presentation of hydatid disease. In this study, we aim to analyze the experience of surgical treatment of cardiac and great vessels echinococcosis in our cardiovascular and thoracic surgery department.

METHODS

Through a 16-year period, from 2000 to 2015, 27 patients underwent surgery for cardiac and great vessels hydatid disease. The clinical, operative, and postoperative data were analyzed through this retrospective and descriptive study.

RESULTS

Most of our patients came from a rural area. The most common symptom was chest pain. The diagnosis was mainly made by transthoracic echocardiography, which has shown the right ventricle as the most frequent location of the disease. All patients received surgical treatment under cardiopulmonary bypass, and only six surgeries were performed without cross-clamping the aorta. Inhospital mortality rate was 7.4%.

CONCLUSIONS

Cardiac hydatidosis is a rare but potentially serious condition whose treatment is mainly surgical even for asymptomatic patients owing to its possible fatal complications. The surgery outcomes are usually satisfactory. Follow-up examinations are highly recommended to detect recurrences.