[Anaesthetic treatment in the removal of a cardiac hydatid cyst]

Echinococcosis is an endemic infection in hot countries. Cardiac involvement is rare, but serious. The risk of anaphylactic shock during surgery requires a rapid intra-operative diagnosis and immediate treatment. We present the case of a 35 year-old male in whom a cardiac hydatid cyst was detected that required surgery. He was given preliminary treatment with oral albendazole for one month and prescribed anti-H1, anti-H2 and corticosteroids prior to the removal of the cyst using bypass surgery. During the operation he was also given a bolus of hydrocortisone and dexchlorpheniramine and the surgical area was protected by gauzes soaked in hypertonic saline. The patient required an infusion of noradrenaline to maintain haemodynamic stability. He progressed with no more complications, and was discharged at 14 days.