[Echinococcosis of the heart]

From 1971 through 1987 six patients with echinococcus of the hear have been operated. In four of them the hydatid cyst was localized in the right portion of the heart and in two in the left ventricle. Left thoracotomy was used for the operation of the former four patients, whereas the hydatid cysts localized in the left ventricle were operated under bypass circulation. None of the operated patients died. The diagnosis was established by using computer tomography, which provided exact localization of the hydatid cyst and determined the operative approach. Echinococcosis of the heart is rare and creates diagnostic difficulties. This diagnosis is an absolute indication for operative intervention which under contemporary conditions should be performed by use of bypass circulation.