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Incidental Left Ventricular Myocardial Hydatid Cyst - A case report
Naqibullah Foladi1, Farhad Farzam1,2, Mer Mahmood Shah Hoshang3
1Department of Radiology, Wyagal Radiology Center, Kabul, Afghanistan.
Insights
Hydatid disease, a rare parasitic infection, can affect the heart. Early diagnosis via CT scans and prompt surgical treatment are crucial to prevent life-threatening complications from cardiac echinococcosis.
Area of Science:
- Parasitology
- Cardiology
- Radiology
Background:
- Hydatid disease, caused by Echinococcus granulosus, is a parasitic infection.
- While it can affect any organ, cardiac and mediastinal involvement is exceptionally rare.
- Complications can be fatal, underscoring the need for timely diagnosis and treatment.
Observation:
- Computed tomography (CT) is the preferred diagnostic imaging modality.
- Abdominal CT surveys may incidentally detect cardio-mediastinal hydatid disease.
- A case of a left ventricular hydatid cyst co-occurring with hepatic cysts is presented.
Findings:
- The study highlights the potential for hydatid cysts to manifest in the heart, specifically the left ventricle.
- Co-existence with hepatic hydatid cysts was observed.
- CT imaging proved effective in identifying the cardiac cyst.
Implications:
- Early diagnosis of cardiac hydatid disease is vital for preventing severe complications.
- Surgical intervention under cardiopulmonary bypass is the definitive treatment.
- Radiologists and clinicians should consider cardiac involvement in suspected hydatid disease cases, even with initial abdominal imaging.
Abstract:
Hydatid disease is an indolent parasitic infection by a microorganism, echinococcosis granulosis. The disease can infect almost any human organ but is exceedingly rare involving the mediastinum and the heart. It can be lethal if complications occur. CT scan is the modality of choice for the diagnosis of the disease. The coverage of cardiac structures in the abdominal CT scan survey may be helpful for the detection of possible cardio-mediastinal hydatid disease. The authors present a case of hydatid cyst in the left ventricular wall alongside hepatic hydatid cysts. The definitive treatment includes surgery under cardiopulmonary bypass and needs to be treated as soon as it is diagnosed to prevent lethal complications.
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