Hydatidosis in three different organs: a case report

Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a parasitic disease caused by the larval stage of Echinococcus granulosus, primarily affecting the liver and lungs. Cardiac involvement is rare, occurring in 0.5%-2% of cases. Multi-organ involvement, particularly including the liver, lungs, and heart, is exceptionally rare, posing significant diagnostic and management challenges.

We present a 26-year-old female with a 1.5-year history of recurrent left-sided chest pain, anorexia, and dry cough. Imaging revealed cystic lesions in the liver, lungs, and left ventricular wall of the heart. The patient underwent a multidisciplinary surgical intervention to excise the cysts, followed by postoperative albendazole therapy. Despite the mass effect on the heart, the patient's cardiac function remained preserved with an ejection fraction of 60%.

This case underscores the importance of advanced imaging in diagnosing CE with multi-organ involvement. While medical therapy with albendazole is effective for managing uncomplicated CE, surgical excision is necessary for complex cases with risks of rupture or embolization. Multidisciplinary care is critical in achieving optimal outcomes in such rare and challenging presentations.

This report highlights a rare case of CE involving the liver, lungs, and heart. It emphasizes the importance of accurate imaging, multidisciplinary surgical intervention, and postoperative medical therapy in managing this complex condition and achieving successful outcomes.