Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 13, 2026

A Research Method For Detecting Transient Myocardial Ischemia In Patients With Suspected Acute Coronary Syndrome Using Continuous ST-segment Analysis
18:11

A Research Method For Detecting Transient Myocardial Ischemia In Patients With Suspected Acute Coronary Syndrome Using Continuous ST-segment Analysis

Published on: December 28, 2012

Pericardial hydatid cyst mimicking acute coronary syndrome

Feridun Kosar1, Yuksel Aksoy, Ibrahim Sahin

  • 1Department of Cardiology, Inonu University, Malatya, Turkey. mferidunkosar@yahoo.com

Texas Heart Institute Journal
|January 25, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Pericardial hydatid cysts are rare but can mimic heart attacks. Surgical removal of a pericardial hydatid cyst resolved symptoms in one patient, highlighting its importance in differential diagnosis.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Parasitology
  • Surgical Pathology

Background:

  • Hydatid cysts, caused by Echinococcus granulosus, predominantly affect the myocardium.
  • Pericardial hydatid cysts are exceptionally rare, with limited documented cases.
  • Most patients with hydatid cysts remain asymptomatic.

Observation:

  • A 46-year-old male presented with symptoms and electrocardiographic findings suggestive of acute myocardial ischemia.
  • Comprehensive investigations, including imaging and laboratory tests, confirmed a pericardial hydatid cyst.
  • The patient underwent surgical excision of the cyst.

Findings:

  • Post-operative recovery was successful, with complete resolution of the patient's symptoms.
  • Clinical status significantly improved following the surgical intervention.
  • The case underscores the diagnostic challenge posed by pericardial hydatid cysts.

Implications:

  • Pericardial hydatid cysts should be included in the differential diagnosis for patients presenting with angina-like chest pain.
  • This is particularly relevant in endemic regions for hydatid disease.
  • Early and accurate diagnosis through advanced imaging is crucial for effective management and improved patient outcomes.

More Related Videos

An Intact Pericardium Ischemic Rodent Model07:15

An Intact Pericardium Ischemic Rodent Model

Published on: September 2, 2021

Related Concept Videos

Pericarditis II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests01:19

Pericarditis II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests

Pericarditis is distinguished by inflammation of the pericardium, the fibrous sac that encases the heart. It can be acute, lasting less than six weeks, or chronic, persisting for over three months. Understanding its clinical manifestations and diagnostic findings is crucial for timely and effective management.Clinical ManifestationsWhile pericarditis can be asymptomatic, it usually presents with characteristic symptoms such as:Chest Pain: The most characteristic symptom of pericarditis is chest...
Acute Coronary Syndrome III: Diagnostic Studies01:30

Acute Coronary Syndrome III: Diagnostic Studies

Diagnosing acute coronary syndrome or ACS begins with a thorough patient history. Notable symptoms include central, crushing chest pain radiating to the left arm, neck, jaw, or back, along with shortness of breath, sweating (diaphoresis), nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and palpitations.It is crucial to note any history of cardiac illnesses and assess risk factors, including age, gender, smoking, hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and a sedentary lifestyle.During physical examination, vital...
Acute Coronary Syndrome I: Introduction01:30

Acute Coronary Syndrome I: Introduction

Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) encompasses a spectrum of heart conditions caused by sudden obstruction of coronary arteries, typically resulting from the rupture of an atherosclerotic plaque and subsequent thrombus (blood clot) formation. This obstruction can lead to partial or complete blockage of blood flow, causing varying degrees of myocardial ischemia or infarction.ACS includes the following clinical entities:Unstable Angina (UA)Non-ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction (NSTEMI)ST-Elevation...
Acute Coronary Syndrome II: Pathophysiology and Clinical Manifestations01:19

Acute Coronary Syndrome II: Pathophysiology and Clinical Manifestations

The pathophysiology of Acute Coronary Syndrome [ACD] involves several key processes:The main underlying cause of ACD is atherosclerosis, a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by the buildup of lipid-laden plaques within the coronary arteries.As the atherosclerotic plaque grows in the coronary artery, it may become unstable due to the formation of a lipid-rich core and a thin fibrous cap. Inflammatory cells within the plaque, such as macrophages, secrete enzymes that degrade the...
Cardiomyopathy III: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy01:29

Cardiomyopathy III: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, or HCM, is an autosomal dominant genetic disorder characterized by asymmetric left ventricular hypertrophy without ventricular dilation. It is more common in men and is typically diagnosed in young, athletic adults.EtiologyHCM is primarily genetic and is caused by mutations in genes encoding sarcomeric proteins. Researchers have identified over 1400 mutations across at least 11 different genes. Among these, the most frequently occurring mutations are found in the...
Coronary Artery Disease III: Clinical Manifestations01:30

Coronary Artery Disease III: Clinical Manifestations

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) is a primary health risk worldwide, leading to significant morbidity and mortality. The condition arises from the buildup of atherosclerotic plaques within the coronary arteries, resulting in diminished blood supply to the heart muscle.The clinical manifestations of CAD vary widely, from asymptomatic stages to severe, life-threatening conditions. Understanding these manifestations is crucial for early diagnosis and effective management.Angina Pectoris: The Warning...