Left ventricular epicardial hydatid cyst compressing the left circumflex artery
Karthik Ramakrishnan Vaidyanathan1, Prashant Vaijyanath, Anil Betigeri
1Department of Cardiac Surgery, Frontier Lifeline, Dr. K. M. Cherian Heart Foundation, R 30 C Ambattur Industrial Estate Road, Chennai, India. rkvdoc@rediffmail.com
Journal of Cardiac Surgery
|July 9, 2009
Summary
A rare cardiac hydatid cyst compressed the left circumflex artery. Surgical treatment is crucial for cardiac hydatid cysts to prevent rupture and recurrence.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Parasitology
- Surgical Oncology
Background:
- Cardiac hydatid disease, caused by Echinococcus granulosus, is a rare parasitic infection.
- It can present with varied clinical manifestations, often mimicking other cardiac pathologies.
Observation:
- A unique case of a left ventricular epicardial hydatid cyst is presented.
- This cyst led to significant compression of the left circumflex artery.
Findings:
- Surgical intervention is the definitive treatment for cardiac hydatid cysts.
- Prompt diagnosis and surgical management are essential due to the high risk of cyst rupture.
Implications:
- Effective surgical principles and adjuncts are vital to prevent recurrence of cardiac hydatid disease.
- This case highlights the importance of considering parasitic etiologies in cardiac masses.
Related Concept Videos
01:29Cardiomyopathy 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...
01:22Aortic Regurgitation II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests
Aortic valve regurgitation (AR) occurs when the aortic valve fails to close properly, allowing blood to flow backward from the aorta into the left ventricle. This backflow can result in two distinct clinical presentations: acute and chronic AR, each characterized by its own set of symptoms and physical findings.Acute Aortic RegurgitationAcute AR presents with a sudden onset of severe symptoms. Patients typically experience profound dyspnea (shortness of breath), chest pain, and signs of left...
01:24Cardiac Catheterization III: Left Heart Catheterization
Left heart catheterization is an invasive diagnostic procedure used to evaluate the function and structure of the left side of the heart. It is generally performed to diagnose and treat cardiovascular conditions such as valve abnormalities, coronary artery disease, and congenital heart defects.Diagnostic and therapeutic purposesLeft heart catheterization serves various diagnostic and therapeutic purposes, including:Assessing coronary artery bypass grafts.Evaluating coronary artery disease in...
01:13Location and Orientation of the Heart
The human heart, despite its modest size and weight, is an organ of remarkable strength and endurance. Roughly the size of a fist, the heart weighs between 250 and 350 grams and is nestled within the mediastinum, the medial cavity of the thorax. It extends obliquely for about 12 to 14 cm, resting on the superior surface of the diaphragm. The heart is positioned anterior to the vertebral column and posterior to the sternum, with two-thirds of its mass lying to the left of the midsternal line.
01:21Coronary Circulation
The heart, an organ critical to survival, gets nourishment not from the blood it pumps but from a separate circulation system known as coronary circulation. This is the shortest circulation in the body and is responsible for supplying the heart with the nutrients it needs to function effectively.
Coronary circulation begins at the base of the aorta, where two main arteries arise—the left and right coronary arteries. These arteries encircle the heart in the coronary sulcus and supply the...
Coronary circulation begins at the base of the aorta, where two main arteries arise—the left and right coronary arteries. These arteries encircle the heart in the coronary sulcus and supply the...
01:22Mitral Stenosis I: Introduction
Mitral Valve Stenosis (MVS) is a heart condition where the mitral valve narrows, impeding blood circulation from the left atrium to the left ventricle. The etiology and pathophysiology of this condition are multifaceted, leading to a cascade of cardiovascular complications.Causes of Mitral Valve StenosisRheumatic Heart Disease: It is the main cause of mitral valve stenosis, particularly in developing nations. This condition arises from rheumatic fever, an inflammatory illness resulting from...