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Published on: July 18, 2014
Cardiac hydatid cyst revealed by ventricular tachycardia
Zied Ibn Elhadj1, Marouane Boukhris1, Ikram Kammoun1
1Service de Cardiologie, Hôpital Abderrahmen Mami, Tunis El Manar, 2080 Ariana ; Faculty of Medecine, Tunis El Manar.
Insights
Cardiac hydatid cysts, rare parasitic infections, can manifest unusually. This case highlights a cardiac hydatid cyst presenting as ventricular tachycardia in a patient with a prior cerebral hydatid cyst.
Area of Science:
- Parasitology
- Cardiology
- Neurology
Background:
- Hydatid disease is a parasitic infestation caused by Echinococcus Granulosus larvae.
- The liver and lungs are typical sites, with cardiac involvement being rare (0.5-2%).
- Previous cerebral hydatid cysts can indicate disseminated disease.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report an unusual case of cardiac hydatid cyst.
- To highlight a rare presentation of cardiac hydatid disease.
- To emphasize the importance of considering hydatid disease in patients with relevant history and cardiac symptoms.
Main Methods:
- Case report.
- Review of patient history and clinical presentation.
- Diagnostic imaging and confirmation of cardiac hydatid cyst.
Main Results:
- An unusual cardiac hydatid cyst was diagnosed.
- The cyst presented as ventricular tachycardia.
- The patient had a history of cerebral hydatid cyst.
Conclusions:
- Cardiac hydatid cysts are rare but can present with life-threatening arrhythmias.
- A history of hydatid disease in other locations should raise suspicion for cardiac involvement.
- Early diagnosis and management are crucial for patients with cardiac hydatid disease.
Abstract:
Hydatid disease is a human parasitic infestation caused by the larval stage of Echinococcus Granulosus. The liver and the lungs are the most common locations. Cardiac involvement is rare and accounts for 0.5-2% of all hydatid disease. We report an unusual presentation of cardiac hydatid cyst revealed by ventricular tachycardia in a patient with a history of cerebral hydatid cyst.
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