Intrapericardial hydatid cyst. Report of a case successfully operated

Hydatid disease of the pericardium is rarely observed. The case of a 42-year-old man with intrapericardial hydatid cyst is presented. The first symptom of the disease was severe chest pain with electrocardiographic evidence of Q waves and T negative waves suggestive of myocardial necrosis. The two-dimensional echocardiography revealed large cystic image localized in the lateral-inferior wall of the left ventricle. Surgical treatment was carried out without the aid of cardiopulmonary by-pass, although this had been contemplated. The patient is asymptomatic and all electrocardiographic abnormalities regressed three months after the operation. The development, natural history, complications, diagnosis and surgical therapy of intrapericardial echinococcosis are discussed.