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Cardiac echinococcosis with intra-atrial localization
Ozge Altun1, Figen Akalin, Canan Ayabakan
1Department of Pediatrics, Marmara University Faculty of Medicine, Turkey.
The Turkish Journal of Pediatrics
|March 28, 2006
Summary
Echinococcosis can affect the heart, rarely presenting as an intra-atrial hydatid cyst. Early echocardiographic screening for echinococcosis patients is crucial for preventing severe complications.
Area of Science:
- Parasitology
- Cardiology
- Radiology
Background:
- Echinococcosis is a prevalent parasitic disease in the Mediterranean, with cardiac involvement in 0.5-2% of cases.
- Cardiac hydatid cysts are typically pericardial or intramyocardial, with rare intracavitary localization.
Observation:
- This report details a rare case of an intra-atrial hydatid cyst diagnosed via echocardiography.
- The patient initially presented with hemoptysis, a symptom not typically associated with cardiac hydatid disease.
Findings:
- Echocardiography confirmed the presence of an intra-atrial hydatid cyst.
- The case highlights the potential for unusual presentations of cardiac echinococcosis.
Implications:
- Echocardiographic screening of all echinococcosis patients, irrespective of cardiac symptoms, is recommended.
- Early diagnosis can prevent life-threatening complications like cyst rupture or embolization.