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[Recurrent cardiac echinococcosis: a report of a case with multiple intrapericardial cysts]
1Servizio di Cardiologia e UTIC, Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza--IRCCS, San Giovanni Rotondo, FG.
Insights
This case report details recurrent cardiac hydatidosis, a rare condition involving parasitic cysts in the heart. Diagnosis was confirmed using advanced imaging and clinical findings after previous surgeries.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Parasitology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Cardiac hydatidosis is a rare parasitic infection caused by Echinococcus tapeworms.
- Recurrence after surgical intervention presents a significant clinical challenge.
Observation:
- A patient with a history of two cardiac hydatid cyst resections presented with atypical chest pain.
- Electrocardiography and thallium scintigraphy indicated a prior lateral myocardial infarction.
Findings:
- Recurrent cardiac hydatidosis with multiple intrapericardial cysts was diagnosed.
- Two-dimensional echocardiography and computed tomography were crucial for diagnosis.
- Clinical and biochemical data confirmed the diagnosis.
Implications:
- Highlights the importance of considering recurrent cardiac hydatidosis in patients with cardiac symptoms and a history of surgery.
- Emphasizes the role of advanced imaging modalities in diagnosing complex cardiac parasitic infections.
- Underscores the need for long-term monitoring in patients treated for cardiac hydatidosis.
Abstract:
A case of an isolated recurrent cardiac hydatidosis with multiple intrapericardial cysts is presented. The patient, who underwent 2 previous surgical resection of intramyocardial and pericardial hydatid cysts, presented with atypical chest pain. The ECG and the perfusion scintigraphy with 201-thallium showed a previous lateral myocardial infarction. The diagnosis of recurrent cardiac hydatidosis was made by two-dimensional echocardiography and computed tomography and was confirmed by clinical and biochemical findings.