Dog Footprint in the Heart

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Parasitology
• Surgical Oncology

Background:

• Cardiac hydatid cysts are rare but can cause serious complications like pulmonary hypertension and pericardial effusion.
• Early diagnosis and intervention are crucial for managing cardiac hydatid disease.

Observation:

• A 45-year-old woman presented with chest pain, muffled heart sounds, and imaging revealed a large left ventricular mass.
• The mass, later identified as a hydatid cyst, adhered to the pericardium and compressed the left anterior descending artery.

Findings:

• Echocardiography, CT angiography, and cardiac MRI confirmed a large exophytic mass on the left ventricle.
• Surgical resection of the hydatid cyst and coronary artery bypass grafting were successfully performed.

Implications:

• This case highlights the importance of considering hydatid cysts in the differential diagnosis of cardiac masses, even in non-endemic areas.
• Successful surgical management can lead to complete recovery and symptom resolution.