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Cardiac hydatid cyst in a child
A J Macedo1, M P Magalhães, N J Tavares
1Department of Pediatric Cardiology, Hospital de Santa Marta, Santa Marta Street, 1150 Lisbon, Portugal.
Insights
This study reports a rare case of cardiac and pulmonary hydatid cysts in an 11-year-old boy. Surgical removal and medical treatment were successful in managing this pediatric parasitic infection.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Parasitology
- Pediatric Surgery
Background:
- Cardiac hydatid cyst is an exceptionally rare condition, particularly in pediatric patients.
- Echinococcosis, a parasitic disease caused by tapeworms, can affect various organs, including the heart.
Abstract:
Cardiac hydatid cyst is a rare disease, especially in children. An 11-year-old boy with a previous anaphylactic reaction and episodes of abdominal pain was admitted for workup of an acquired long systolic murmur. Echocardiographic investigation disclosed a tumor of the right ventricular anterior wall, with multiple loculations. Magnetic resonance imaging characterized it as a multilobular tumor with cyst formation and disclosed another cyst in the right pulmonary artery. With a positive ELISA reaction the child was admitted for surgery with the diagnosis of cardiac and pulmonary hydatid cysts. Cardiac surgery was performed with good results, followed by medical treatment with albendazole.