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Intramyocardial hydatid cyst revealed with ischemic stroke due to left ventricular systolic dysfunction: A case
Kaoutar Maasaoui1, Amina Hamdaoui1, Amal Akammar1
1Department of radiology and interventional imaging, CHU Hassan II Fez, Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdellah University, Fez, Morocco.
Insights
This case report details a rare intramyocardial hydatid cyst discovered incidentally after an ischemic stroke in a young man. Surgical removal led to an uneventful recovery, highlighting diagnostic and management strategies for cardiac echinococcosis.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Parasitology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Cardiac echinococcosis is a rare parasitic infection caused by Echinococcus granulosus.
- Clinical manifestations vary widely, from asymptomatic cases to life-threatening cardiac events like arrhythmias, heart failure, and sudden death.
Observation:
- A young male patient presented with an incidentally discovered intramyocardial hydatid cyst following an ischemic stroke.
- Diagnostic workup involved echocardiography and computed tomography angiography (angio-CT) of the chest and abdomen.
Findings:
- Surgical intervention included cystectomy and complete removal of the cyst contents.
- The patient experienced an uncomplicated and favorable postoperative recovery.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of considering cardiac echinococcosis in the differential diagnosis of cardiac masses, even with unusual presentations.
- Effective diagnosis and prompt surgical management are crucial for favorable outcomes in cardiac hydatid disease.
- Further literature review provides valuable insights into the diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for this rare condition.
Abstract:
Cardiac echinococcosis, although rare, presents a range of clinical manifestations depending on the cyst's location within the heart. These manifestations can range from asymptomatic conditions to serious complications such as arrhythmias, valvular dysfunction, cardiac tamponade, heart failure, shock, or even death. This case report describes the unusual presentation of a young man with an intramyocardial hydatid cyst, which was incidentally discovered following an ischemic stroke. Diagnostic evaluation included echocardiography, as well as chest and abdominal angiography via computed tomography (angio-CT). Surgical intervention was undertaken, involving cystectomy and the removal of the cyst contents. The patient's postoperative recovery was uneventful and favorable. This report emphasizes important diagnostic and management considerations specific to cardiac hydatid cysts and includes a review of the relevant literature to provide context and depth to our findings.
