Primary Isolated Interventricular Hydatid Cyst With Left Ventricular Vegetation Presents With Neurological...

Area of Science:

• Medicine
• Neurology
• Cardiology

Background:

• Hydatid disease, caused by Echinococcus granulosus, is endemic in many regions.
• Cardiac hydatid cysts are rare, accounting for 0.5%-2% of all cases, with interventricular septum involvement being exceptionally uncommon.
• Cerebral embolization from cardiac hydatid cysts can present as stroke, especially in young patients.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the importance of considering hydatid cyst embolism as a differential diagnosis for stroke in young patients.
• To report a case of a 17-year-old patient with a cerebral hydatid cyst embolism originating from an interventricular septum cyst.
• To emphasize the diagnostic utility of echocardiography and the efficacy of surgical intervention.

Main Methods:

• Case report of a 17-year-old male presenting with stroke-like symptoms.
• Neurological examination and brain MRI to identify cerebral lesions.
• CT neck of the neck, chest, abdomen, and pelvis (NCAP) to detect cardiac abnormalities.
• Surgical removal of the cardiac hydatid cyst via open-heart surgery.

Main Results:

• The patient presented with right-sided weakness and expressive aphasia, indicative of a stroke.
• Brain MRI revealed multiple cerebral lesions.
• CT NCAP identified a cystic formation in the cardiac interventricular septum.
• Surgical resection of the hydatid cyst was successfully performed.

Conclusions:

• Hydatid cyst embolism should be considered in the differential diagnosis of stroke in young patients, especially in endemic areas.
• Cardiac hydatid cysts, even those in rare locations like the interventricular septum, can lead to significant neurological complications.
• Prompt diagnosis and surgical management are essential for favorable outcomes.