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Cardiac echinococcosis causing acute dissection of the left ventricular free wall
Tamzeed Ahmed1, Muayed Al-Zaibag, Andrew Allan
1Department of Cardiac Sciences, Kinh Fahad National Guard Hospital, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Insights
Cardiac echinococcosis, a rare heart condition, can mimic heart attacks. This case highlights a ruptured echinococcal cyst causing left ventricular dissection and cardiac enzyme elevation.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Parasitology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Cardiac echinococcosis is an uncommon parasitic infection affecting the heart.
- Clinical presentations vary widely based on the cyst's location and size.
Observation:
- A patient presented with symptoms mimicking an acute cardiac ischemic episode.
- Elevated serum cardiac enzymes were noted, suggesting myocardial damage.
Findings:
- The cause was identified as a ruptured intramyocardial echinococcal cyst leading to left ventricular free wall dissection.
- Echocardiography effectively characterized the complex cardiac anatomy resulting from the cyst rupture.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of considering parasitic infections in cardiac emergencies.
- Accurate diagnosis via echocardiography is crucial for managing cardiac echinococcosis.
- Understanding rare cardiac pathologies aids in differential diagnosis and patient management.
Abstract:
Cardiac echinococcosis is a rare condition, and its manifestations are protean depending upon its site of infestation. We report a case of hydatid heart disease presenting like an acute cardiac ischemic episode associated with a rise in serum cardiac enzymes secondary to left ventricular free wall dissection caused by ruptured intramyocardial echinococcal cyst. The resultant complex cardiac anatomy was characterized fully by echocardiographic examination.