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Extremely rare cardiac involvement: recurrent pericardial hydatid cyst

Ibrahim Akpinar1, Sebahat Tekeli, Taner Sen

  • 1Department of Cardiology, Zonguldak Karaelmas University, Faculty of Medicine, Turkey. dr.ibrahimakpinar@gmail.com

Internal Medicine (Tokyo, Japan)
|February 16, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Echinococcus granulosus, a common parasite, can rarely affect the heart. This case highlights a recurrent pericardial hydatid cyst causing significant cardiac symptoms.

Area of Science:

  • Veterinary Medicine
  • Parasitology
  • Cardiology

Background:

  • Echinococcus granulosus is a common parasitic infection in livestock-raising regions.
  • While typically affecting the liver and lungs, cardiac involvement is rare but clinically significant.
  • Pericardial hydatid cysts represent an extremely uncommon manifestation of Echinococcus granulosus.

Observation:

  • A 72-year-old male presented with exertional dyspnea, palpitations, and presyncope.
  • These symptoms were attributed to a recurrent pericardial hydatid cyst.
  • The patient had a history of previous surgical intervention for a similar condition.

Findings:

  • Transthoracic echocardiography revealed findings consistent with a pericardial hydatid cyst.
  • Computed tomography provided detailed anatomical information of the cyst.
  • Surgical history was crucial in diagnosing the recurrent nature of the condition.

Implications:

  • Recurrent pericardial hydatid cysts, though rare, can lead to severe cardiac complications.
  • Early diagnosis and management are crucial for patients presenting with cardiac symptoms and a history of echinococcosis.
  • This case underscores the importance of considering parasitic etiologies in cardiac conditions, especially in endemic areas.

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