Cardiac involvement of hydatid disease

Echinococcosis is a serious health issue occurring in some geographical region of the world. Cardiac involvement is rare and early diagnosis and prompt surgical intervention are critical.

Six patients with cardiac hydatid cysts underwent surgical treatment in our institution between April, 1996 and March, 2002. Five of the patients were female and one was male. Average age was 40+/-5 years with a range of 19 to 72 years. Cysts were located in the right ventricular outflow tract in two patients, the left ventricular outflow tract in one, the right atrial in one, the right ventricular in one and the right atrioventricular groove in one. Five patients were operated on using standard cardiopulmonary bypass techniques, and one was operated on without cardiopulmonary bypass.

In the perioperative and the early postoperative period, no cardiac problems was observed. On control echocardiography, a ventricular septal defect was detected in one patient in the late postoperative period. The ventricular septal defect was repaired using standard cardiopulmonary bypass and was closed with a teflon patch. Patients were followed up for a mean period of 3.4+/-2.5 years. No mortality or recurrence was observed during the follow-up period.

When hydatid cyst is diagnosed, the possibility of cardiac involvement should also be investigated. The treatment of cardiac hydatid cyst is surgical extraction of the cyst. Results of surgery are generally satisfactory.