Hydatid Cyst Located in the Right Atrium and Bilateral Pulmonary Arteries

Hydatidosis is a parasitic infection caused by Echinococcus granulosus. Hydatidosis has been reported in the lungs, brain, musculoskeletal system, and heart. Cystic hydatid cases observed in the pulmonary artery are quite rarely seen, and cystic hydatid is considered one of the rare causes of nonthrombotic pulmonary embolism.

A 53-year-old female patient with shortness of breath and coughing was examined and found to have a cystic structure measuring 4.1 × 4.9 mm with thrombus on the right atrium. Pulmonary computed tomography angiography revealed a 52 × 55 × 33-mm multiseptate structure containing cystic vesicles within the right atrium and bilateral intrapulmonary cystic lesions measuring 2 to 3 cm. The patient, whose hemodynamics were compromised, underwent emergency surgery, and the pathology result was consistent with hydatid cyst.

Cardiac hydatid cysts can be fatal, but due to rare occurrence, there are no defined treatment algorithms. Each case must be evaluated individually using a multidisciplinary approach.

Hydatid cysts are rare, but cardiac involvement is also possible. If cardiac involvement is on the right side of the heart, it is beneficial to check the pulmonary arteries as well.