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Cardiac hydatid cyst associated with multiple organ involvement
Murat Muhtar Yilmazer1, Ilker Devrim, Vedide Tavli
1Department of Paediatric Cardiology, Dr. Behcet Uz Children's Hospital, Izmir, Turkey.
A child presented with cough and chest pain, revealing multiple cysts in organs and an uncommon cardiac cyst. This case highlights rare cardiac echinococcosis, a serious parasitic infection.
Area of Science:
- Medicine
- Parasitology
- Cardiology
Background:
- Hydatid disease, caused by the tapeworm Echinococcus, is a significant global parasitic infection.
- While typically affecting organs like the liver and lungs, cardiac involvement is rare.
Observation:
- A 5-year-old boy exhibited persistent cough and chest pain.
- Imaging revealed hepatic and splenic cysts, alongside unexpected cardiac cysts on transthoracic echocardiography.
Findings:
- The patient was diagnosed with echinococcal cysts in the liver, spleen, and notably, the left ventricle of the heart.
- This case underscores the potential for disseminated hydatid disease with cardiac manifestation.
Implications:
- Highlights the importance of considering rare parasitic infections in pediatric patients with unexplained symptoms.
- Emphasizes the diagnostic utility of echocardiography in evaluating cardiac abnormalities, even in the absence of overt cardiovascular symptoms.
- Underscores the need for increased awareness of cardiac echinococcosis in endemic regions.
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