Isolated Cardiac Hydatid Cyst Causing Complete Heart Block

Ismahane Lahmidi1, Mohamed Boutaybi1, Jamal El Ouazzani1

  • 1Cardiology, Mohammed I University/Mohammed VI University Hospital, Oujda, MAR.

Cureus
|January 11, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Cardiac hydatidosis, a rare parasitic infection, can affect the heart. This case highlights an interventricular septal cyst causing complete heart block, successfully managed with a pacemaker.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Parasitology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Cardiac hydatidosis is a rare parasitic infection caused by Echinococcus tapeworms.
  • Involvement of the interventricular septum is uncommon, posing unique diagnostic and management challenges.

Observation:

  • A rare case of cardiac echinococcus presenting as a cyst in the basal interventricular septum is described.
  • The cyst's location led to compression of the cardiac conduction pathway, resulting in complete heart block.

Findings:

  • The patient presented with complete heart block attributed to the interventricular septal hydatid cyst.
  • Medical management combined with permanent pacemaker implantation was the chosen therapeutic approach.

Implications:

  • This case underscores the importance of considering cardiac hydatidosis in the differential diagnosis of heart block, especially in endemic areas.
  • Early diagnosis and appropriate management, including surgical or medical interventions and pacing, are crucial for favorable outcomes.

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