Primary cardiac hydatic cyst with multiple locations: an unusual case of chest pain

Gen Thorac Cardiovasc Surg. 2021 Jul;69(7):1147-1150. doi: 10.1007/s11748-021-01631-3. Epub 2021 Apr 12.

Abstract

Cardiac echinococcosis is a rare manifestation of Echinococcus infection, affecting 0.5-2% of the patients. Since it may be a life-threatening condition, surgical treatment should be always considered. Herein, here we present a case of a 66-year-old male with chest pain. Subsequent exams confirmed the diagnosis of multiple cardiac hydatic cysts. The patient initiated treatment with albendazole and was submitted to a surgical resection with cardiopulmonary bypass. A complete surgical resection was achieved, and patient remains asymptomatic without disease signs of recurrence on imaging exams. We highlight the necessity of cardiac screening in echinococcosis cases and the surgical management in this case.

Keywords: Cardiac surgery; Chest pain; Extracorporeal circulation; Hydatic cyst.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Chest Pain
  • Cysts*
  • Echinococcosis* / diagnostic imaging
  • Echinococcosis* / surgery
  • Heart Diseases* / diagnostic imaging
  • Heart Diseases* / surgery
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Neoplasm Recurrence, Local