Large right ventricular hydatid cyst in a child: a case report

Area of Science:

• Parasitology
• Cardiology
• Pediatrics

Background:

• Cystic hydatid disease is a global parasitic infection caused by Echinococcus granulosus larvae.
• Cardiac involvement is rare, often presents atypically, and is diagnosed in about 10% of cases.
• Isolated right ventricle hydatid cysts are exceptionally rare, particularly in pediatric patients.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe a rare case of a pediatric patient with a hydatid cardiac cyst located in the right ventricle.

Main Methods:

• A case report of an 8-year-old boy from a rural, endemic area is presented.
• The patient exhibited dyspnea, cough, and chest pain, with diagnosed multiple pulmonary and a right ventricular hydatid cyst.
• Surgical resection of both pulmonary and cardiac cysts was performed.

Main Results:

• The patient underwent successful surgical resection of pulmonary and cardiac hydatid cysts.
• Seven weeks post-surgery, the patient showed a favorable outcome with no clinical or echocardiographic recurrence.

Conclusions:

• Cardiac echinococcosis requires a high index of suspicion in endemic regions.
• Accurate diagnosis relies on appropriate imaging modalities.
• Timely and appropriate surgical treatment is crucial for favorable outcomes.