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Isolation and Functional Characterization of Human Ventricular Cardiomyocytes from Fresh Surgical Samples
Published on: April 21, 2014
[Radioclinical profile of cardiopericardial hydatid: report of 17 cases]
1Service de radiologie, hôpital Sahloul, 4011 Sousse, Tunisie.
Insights
Hydatid cysts in the heart are rare but dangerous. This study highlights the crucial role of imaging, particularly ultrasound and CT scans, for accurate diagnosis and effective surgical treatment of cardiopericardial hydatid cysts.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Parasitology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Hydatid cysts affecting the heart are uncommon, representing 0.5-2% of all hydatid disease locations.
- The potential for severe complications necessitates prompt diagnosis and surgical intervention for cardiopericardial hydatid cysts.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the diagnostic utility of various imaging modalities for cardiopericardial hydatid cysts.
- To establish an effective diagnostic and management strategy for this rare condition.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 17 patients surgically treated for cardiopericardial hydatid cysts between 1988 and 1998.
- Utilized chest X-ray, ECG, ultrasonography (US), computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), transesophageal US, and coronary angiography for diagnosis.
- Systematic screening for other hydatid disease sites, including brain CT.
Main Results:
- Hydatid cysts were found in various cardiac locations: left ventricle (5), right ventricle (5), pericardium (5), interventricular septum (4), and auricles (2).
- Coexistent hydatid disease in other sites was identified in 12 patients.
- Combined US and CT scans provided accurate topographical information, minimizing the need for MRI to complex or inconclusive cases.
- Favorable outcomes were observed in 14 patients post-surgery, with a mean follow-up of 3 years and 5 months; three patients died.
Conclusions:
- Integrated imaging, particularly the combination of US and CT, is vital for precise diagnosis and surgical planning of cardiopericardial hydatid cysts.
- Early surgical intervention is essential for managing this rare but potentially fatal condition.
- A strategic approach utilizing advanced imaging can optimize patient care and outcomes.
Abstract:
Hydatid cysts concerning the heart are rare, accounting for 0.5 to 2% of all hydatic sites. The risk of serious complications in this location makes rapid diagnosis and surgical treatment essential. The aim of our study is to clarify the role of imaging in the diagnosis of the disease and to propose an adequate strategy. We report on 17 patients who underwent surgery for cardiopericardial hydatid cyst in the cardiovascular and thoracic unit of Sahloul hospital in Sousse from January 1988 to December 1998. Clinical investigation included in all cases chest X ray, ECG and ultrasonography (US). A computed tomography (CT) scan was performed in 14 cases, magnetic resonance imaging in three cases, transesophageal US in five cases, and coronary angiography in fsix cases. Examination for other hydatic sites was realized in all cases, and brain CT was performed in four cases. The hydatid cyst was variably localized in the left ventricle wall (five cases), the right ventricle (five cases), the pericardium (five cases), the interventricular septum (four cases), the right auricle (one case) and the left auricle (one case). The existence of other cardiac hydatid sites was found in 12 cases. All patients underwent surgery. Outcome was favorable in 14 cases, with a mean of 3 years and 5 months survey. Three patients died. The combination US-CT scan allowed a precise topographical inventory, reducing the need for MRI to the complicated cases and to the rare cases of inconclusive results by US-CT scan.
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