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A hydatid cyst of the interventricular septum diagnosed incidentally by multislice computed tomography

M Timur Selcuk1, Hatice Selcuk, Omac Tufekcioglu

  • 1Department of Cardiology, Turkiye Yuksek Ihtisas Hospital, Ankara, Turkey. timurselcuk@hotmail.com

Heart, Lung & Circulation
|March 6, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Cardiac hydatid disease, though rare, can present as a cyst in the interventricular septum. Early detection via imaging and surgical removal are crucial for preventing life-threatening complications in patients with cardiac echinococcosis.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Parasitology
  • Radiology

Background:

  • Cardiac echinococcosis, caused by the larval stage of Echinococcus granulosus, is a rare parasitic infection.
  • Hydatid cysts in the heart are uncommon, with most cases involving the left ventricle, right ventricle, or interatrial septum.

Observation:

  • A 54-year-old patient presented with an incidentally discovered hydatid cyst within the interventricular septum.
  • Cardiac multislice computed tomography (MSCT) and transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) were instrumental in detecting the cyst and raising suspicion for cardiac echinococcosis.

Findings:

  • Surgical excision of the interventricular septum hydatid cyst was successfully performed.
  • Postoperative recovery was uneventful, and the patient was discharged on albendazole therapy.

Implications:

  • This case highlights the importance of considering cardiac echinococcosis in the differential diagnosis of cardiac masses, especially in endemic areas.
  • Prompt surgical intervention and appropriate antiparasitic treatment are essential for managing cardiac hydatid disease and preventing fatal outcomes.

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