An intra-cardiac mass in a patient with Behçet's disease: Cardiac hydatid cyst

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Parasitology
• Rheumatology

Background:

• Cardiac hydatid cysts are uncommon, affecting 0.5%-2% of human hydatidosis cases.
• Behçet's disease is a systemic vasculitis frequently linked to venous thrombosis.
• Intra-cardiac masses in Behçet's disease patients often raise suspicion for thrombosis.

Observation:

• A 32-year-old male with Behçet's disease and a history of venous thrombosis presented with an intra-cardiac mass.
• Initial echocardiogram suggested an intra-cardiac thrombus.
• Subsequent echocardiography and cardiac magnetic resonance confirmed a hydatid cyst in the right ventricular apex.

Findings:

• A hydatid cyst was diagnosed in the right ventricular apex.
• The cyst was initially misdiagnosed as an intra-cardiac thrombus due to the patient's history of Behçet's disease and venous thrombosis.
• Diagnostic imaging modalities including echocardiogram and cardiac MRI were crucial for accurate diagnosis.

Implications:

• This case underscores the need to consider parasitic etiologies, such as hydatid cysts, in the differential diagnosis of intra-cardiac masses.
• It highlights potential diagnostic challenges in patients with co-existing conditions like Behçet's disease.
• Accurate and timely diagnosis of cardiac hydatid cysts is essential for appropriate management and to prevent complications.