Surgical treatment of right ventricular hydatid cyst

Area of Science:

• Parasitology
• Cardiology
• Radiology

Background:

• Hydatid cyst is an endemic parasitic disease, primarily affecting livestock-raising regions globally.
• Cardiac hydatid cysts represent a rare manifestation, occurring in 0.5% to 2% of all hydatid cyst cases.
• This condition poses significant diagnostic and therapeutic challenges due to its rarity and potential cardiac complications.

Observation:

• A 24-year-old male presented with chest pain, indicative of a potential cardiac anomaly.
• Diagnostic imaging, including transthoracic echocardiography, CT, and MRI, revealed a cystic mass measuring 4x4x3 cm.
• The cyst was precisely located in the right ventricular wall, adjacent to a critical coronary artery branch and impinging on the tricuspid valve.

Findings:

• The diagnostic imaging confirmed the presence of a cardiac hydatid cyst.
• Surgical intervention was performed using cardiopulmonary bypass to safely excise the parasitic cyst.
• Histopathological analysis confirmed the diagnosis of a hydatid cyst.

Implications:

• This case highlights the importance of considering rare parasitic infections in cardiac diagnostics.
• Surgical management of cardiac hydatid disease, even in complex locations, is feasible and yields positive results.
• Early diagnosis and surgical intervention are crucial for preventing life-threatening complications associated with cardiac hydatid cysts.