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Cardiac Echinococcosis With Hepatic Involvement in a Child: A Case Report
Yassine Akrim1, Fatima Babokh1, Awatif El Hakkouni1
1Department of Biology, Mohammed VI University Hospital, Cadi Ayyad University, Marrakech, MAR.
Insights
This case report details a rare instance of cardiac hydatidosis in a child, specifically affecting the interventricular septum. Successful surgical removal and supportive treatment highlight management options for this rare parasitic infection.
Area of Science:
- Parasitology
- Cardiology
- Pediatrics
- Radiology
Background:
- Hydatidosis, caused by the tapeworm Echinococcus granulosus, is endemic in Morocco.
- Cardiac involvement in hydatid disease is uncommon, with interventricular septum lesions being exceedingly rare.
- Combined hepatocardiac hydatid disease presents a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge.
Observation:
- A 6-year-old girl presented with dyspnea, asthenia, and vomiting.
- Imaging revealed cystic lesions in the interventricular septum and liver.
- Positive serology supported the diagnosis of echinococcosis.
Findings:
- Diagnosis confirmed as echinococcosis with combined hepatic and cardiac (interventricular septum) involvement.
- Surgical excision of the cardiac cyst was successfully performed.
- Microscopic examination of excised material confirmed hydatid disease.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of considering rare parasitic infections like hydatidosis in endemic areas, even with unusual localizations.
- Prompt diagnosis and surgical intervention are crucial for managing cardiac hydatidosis.
- Multidisciplinary management, including surgical and medical (e.g., albendazole) approaches, is essential for comprehensive treatment.
Abstract:
Hydatidosis is endemic in Morocco. Cardiac localization of hydatid disease is a rare entity. Involvement of the interventricular septum is even rarer. We report the case of a 6-year-old girl with combined hepatocardiac hydatid disease. She was admitted with complaints of dyspnea, asthenia and vomiting. Ultrasound imaging and CT scan showed cystic lesions in the interventricular septum and in the liver. Serologic test results were positive. According to the biological and radiological findings, the diagnosis of echinococcosis with cardiac and hepatic involvement was suggested. Complete excision of the cardiac cyst was performed followed by anthelminthic treatment with albendazole as a supportive therapy. The confirmative diagnosis of hydatid disease was made by microscopic examination of the removed material. Our patient was referred to the department of general surgery to treat the liver lesions in the future. The postoperative period was unremarkable.
