Cardiac hydatidosis presenting as an acute coronary syndrome
Guruprasad Sogunuru1, D S Murty, Viswanatha Reddy Chinta
1Department of Cardiology, DBR Hospitals, Tirupathi, India.
Insights
A 56-year-old man with acute coronary syndrome was diagnosed with cardiac hydatidosis due to multiple right ventricular cysts. Surgical evacuation and medical therapy led to a good recovery, with recommendations for lifelong anticoagulation and follow-up.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Parasitology
Background:
- Cardiac hydatidosis is a rare parasitic infection caused by Echinococcus granulosus.
- It can present with diverse clinical manifestations, often mimicking other cardiac or systemic diseases.
- Early diagnosis and appropriate management are crucial for patient outcomes.
Observation:
- A 56-year-old male presented with acute coronary syndrome.
- Transthoracic echocardiography revealed multiple hydatid cysts in the right ventricle, compressing the interventricular septum.
- CT scans identified additional cysts in the lung apex and liver, indicating polyvisceral involvement.
Findings:
- The clinical presentation and imaging findings strongly suggested cardiac hydatidosis.
- CT coronary angiography was normal, ruling out significant coronary artery disease.
- Preoperative albendazole therapy was initiated, followed by surgical evacuation of the right ventricular cysts.
Implications:
- This case highlights the importance of considering parasitic infections in the differential diagnosis of cardiac abnormalities, even in the absence of typical epidemiological risk factors.
- Successful surgical management combined with medical therapy can lead to favorable outcomes in cardiac hydatidosis.
- Long-term follow-up, anticoagulation, and prophylactic measures are essential to prevent recurrence and manage potential complications.
Abstract:
A 56-year-old man presented as an acute coronary syndrome. A transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) performed to assess left ventricular (LV) function revealed multiple hydatid cysts in the right ventricular cavity compressing the interventricular septum. CT scan for chest and abdomen revealed similar cysts in right-lung apex and left lobe of liver. A polyvisceral involvement in the setting of multiple cardiac cysts suggested cardiac hydatidosis as the most probable diagnosis. CT coronary angiography was normal. A preoperative oral albendazole therapy was initiated. Later the patient underwent elective surgery, 'Evaculation of RV Hydatid Cysts and Obliteration of Cavity with Bovine Pericardium'. His postoperative recovery was good. Regular exercise, chest physiotherapy, a life-long anticoagulation therapy and antibiotic prophylaxis for invasive procedures were recommended. Patient was scheduled for regular follow-up, to check for any recurrences or late complications.
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