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Stroke: a rare presentation of cardiac hydatidosis
N P Singh1, S K Arora, A Gupta
1Department of Medicine, Maulana Azad Medical College and Lok Navak Hospital, MR Centre, New Delhi, India. nanu_singh@yahoo.com
Insights
A pediatric stroke case highlights a rare diagnosis: a hydatid cyst in the heart causing a hemorrhagic infarct. This finding underscores the importance of considering parasitic infections in neurological events.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Cardiology
- Parasitology
Background:
- Pediatric stroke is a significant clinical challenge.
- Hydatid disease, caused by Echinococcus granulosus, typically affects the liver and lungs.
- Cardiac involvement is rare, especially in pediatric cases.
Observation:
- A 13-year-old male presented with acute right-sided hemiparesis.
- Brain CT revealed a hemorrhagic infarct in the left basal ganglia.
- Echocardiography identified a hydatid cyst in the right atrium extending to the left atrium.
- A hepatic hydatid cyst was also noted.
Findings:
- The patient experienced an acute stroke secondary to a cardiac hydatid cyst.
- The cardiac cyst was the likely embolic source causing the hemorrhagic infarct.
- Concurrent hepatic hydatid disease was present.
Implications:
- This case emphasizes the need to consider parasitic etiologies, such as hydatid disease, in the differential diagnosis of pediatric stroke.
- Echocardiography is crucial for diagnosing cardiac hydatid cysts.
- Prompt diagnosis and management of cardiac hydatidosis are vital to prevent embolic events and neurological complications.
Abstract:
A 13-year-old boy presented with acute stroke leading to right-sided hemiparesis. A contrast CT scan of the brain showed a hemorrhagic infarct in the left basal ganglia region with surrounding edema. Echocardiography showed a hydatid cyst in the right atrial chamber extending into the left atrium. A single hepatic hydatid was also seen.