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Evaluation of Left Ventricular Structure and Function using 3D Echocardiography
Published on: October 28, 2020
Synchronous Left Ventricular and Endocranial Mass
Cornelia Tsokkou1, Andreas Mitsis1, Evi Christodoulou2
1Cardiology Department, Nicosia General Hospital, Nicosia, Cyprus.
Insights
This case report highlights a rare instance of coexisting myocardial and endocranial cysts in a young male presenting with heart dysfunction and seizures. Early diagnosis through combined imaging and lab work is crucial for effective treatment.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology and Neurology
- Diagnostic Imaging
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Myocardial cysts are rare, diverse conditions with varied etiologies, including congenital, neoplastic, and infectious origins.
- While often asymptomatic, myocardial cysts can lead to cardiac complications like obstruction, valvular dysfunction, or heart failure.
- The simultaneous occurrence of myocardial and extracardiac cysts, particularly endocranial cysts, is exceptionally rare and can manifest with distinct neurological symptoms.
Observation:
- A 26-year-old male presented with dyspnea and epileptic seizures, indicative of potential cardiac and neurological involvement.
- Echocardiography identified two myocardial cysts within the left ventricle, alongside mitral and tricuspid valve dysfunction.
- Brain computed tomography revealed an additional cystic lesion in the frontal lobe, confirming extracardiac involvement.
Findings:
- The diagnostic workup confirmed the coexistence of myocardial and endocranial cysts.
- Non-invasive imaging modalities, laboratory results, and epidemiological data were instrumental in establishing the diagnosis.
- The patient's presentation underscored the potential for significant cardiac and neurological sequelae from such rare coexisting conditions.
Implications:
- This case emphasizes the importance of a comprehensive diagnostic approach for patients presenting with unexplained cardiac and neurological symptoms.
- Integrated diagnostic strategies combining non-invasive imaging, laboratory tests, and clinical context are vital for managing rare cystic pathologies.
- Accurate diagnosis is essential for guiding appropriate therapeutic interventions and improving patient outcomes in complex cases of coexisting myocardial and endocranial cysts.
Abstract:
Myocardial cysts represent a miscellaneous and infrequent spectrum of conditions, with each of them coming from a different etiological background. Congenital myocardial cysts, neoplasia, cysts of infectious origin (bacterial, viral, or parasitic), and cardiac pathologies that may fake cystic content are all encompassed in this group. Although most patients are asymptomatic, some may occasionally present with obstruction, valvular dysfunction, or heart failure. Even more uncommon is the coexistence of a myocardial cyst with other extracardiac locations causing extracardiac symptoms. In this direction, the coexistence of a myocardial and endocranial cyst is extremely rare and can cause symptomatology from the affected organs (e.g., seizures). Cardiac investigation in this context is mainly dependent on non-invasive diagnostic modalities, and laboratory procedures. In this case report, we present a 26-year-old Congolese male admitted with dyspnea and epileptic seizures. Echocardiography revealed left ventricular and both mitral and tricuspid valve dysfunction and the presence of two myocardial cysts, while brain computed tomography showed an additional frontal cystic lesion. A precise diagnostic workup with a combination of non-invasive imaging, laboratory results, and epidemiology data assisted the diagnosis and guided the most suitable therapeutic choice.
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