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Myocardial hydatid cyst ruptured into the pericardium: cross-sectional echocardiographic study and surgical treatment
M De Martini1, F Nador, A Binda
1Divisione Cardiologica, Padiglione Sacco, Ospedale Maggiore, Milano, Italy.
Insights
A ruptured cardiac hydatid cyst caused cardiac tamponade in a patient. Echocardiography diagnosed the condition, guiding emergency surgery and avoiding risky procedures.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Parasitology
- Diagnostic Imaging
Background:
- Hydatid cysts are parasitic infections, typically affecting the liver or lungs.
- Intramyocardial hydatid cysts are rare, posing diagnostic and therapeutic challenges.
- Cardiac tamponade is a life-threatening condition requiring prompt recognition and intervention.
Observation:
- A large, multiloculated intramyocardial hydatid cyst was identified in the left ventricle.
- The cyst ruptured into the pericardial sac, leading to cardiac tamponade.
- Cross-sectional echocardiography revealed the cyst and its connection to the pericardial space.
Findings:
- Echocardiography provided a definitive diagnosis of the ruptured hydatid cyst.
- The imaging findings indicated the need for emergency cardiac surgery.
- Non-invasive diagnosis avoided potential complications associated with pericardiocentesis or invasive procedures.
Implications:
- This case highlights the importance of considering rare cardiac pathologies like hydatid cysts.
- Echocardiography is crucial for diagnosing cardiac tamponade secondary to ruptured cysts.
- Timely surgical intervention is essential for managing cardiac tamponade from hydatid cysts.
Abstract:
We describe a patient with a large intramyocardial hydatid cyst lying in the postero-lateral segment of the left ventricle near the atrioventricular groove level which ruptured into the pericardial sac, resulting in cardiac tamponade. Cross-sectional echocardiographic examination from a modified four-chamber apical view showed the multiloculated cyst and the breach connecting it to the pericardial sac, allowing for the definitive diagnosis and indication for emergency cardiac surgery. The risks of pericardiocentesis and invasive diagnostic procedures could thus be avoided.
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