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Published on: July 18, 2014
Recurrent apical cardiac hydatid cyst presenting with angina
O S Göksel1, S Tanju, B Surmen
1Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Istanbul University, Istanbul Medical Faculty, Istanbul, Turkey. onurgokseljet@gmail.com
Insights
Recurrent pericardial hydatid cysts, a rare heart condition caused by Echinococcus Granulosus tapeworm, can be treated with minimally invasive surgery. This approach avoids cardiopulmonary bypass and resternotomy, offering a safe and effective solution for patients.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Parasitology
- Thoracic Surgery
Background:
- Hydatid disease, caused by Echinococcus Granulosus larvae, is a parasitic infection.
- Cardiac hydatid cysts are rare but can be life-threatening.
- Recurrent pericardial cysts present a unique surgical challenge.
Observation:
- A 42-year-old man presented with chest pain and ECG changes due to a recurrent pericardial cyst.
- The cyst was successfully removed via a limited anterolateral thoracotomy.
- Cardiopulmonary bypass and resternotomy were avoided.
Findings:
- Minimally invasive thoracotomy allowed for direct cyst enucleation.
- The patient experienced no complications at 6-month follow-up.
- Recurrent pericardial hydatid cysts are treatable with targeted surgical intervention.
Implications:
- This case highlights a successful minimally invasive approach for recurrent pericardial hydatid cysts.
- Early diagnosis is crucial, especially in endemic areas, for patients with anginal symptoms or cyst-like masses.
- Surgical techniques can be tailored to avoid major complications like resternotomy and cardiopulmonary bypass.
Abstract:
Hydatid disease is a parasitic infection caused by the larvae of tapeworm Echinococcus Granulosus. Hydatid cyst of the heart is an uncommon presentation of human echinococcosis which may lead to life-threatening conditions. We present a rare case of recurrent pericardial cyst in a 42-year-old man presenting with chest pain and ECG findings. We were able to avoid risks of resternotomy with a limited anterolateral thoracotomy. A direct enucleation of the cyst was possible without the need for cardiopulmonary bypass. He was free of complications at 6-month follow-up. Diagnosis should be suspected in every case of anginal symptoms or cyst-like mass in persons coming from areas where echinococcus granulosus is endemic.
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