Cardiac Echinococcosis Involving Left Ventricular Myocardium in an 18-Year-Old Patient

Abstract

The hydatid disease is one of the most common tapeworm infections. It is caused most commonly by Echinococcus granulosus and has an endemic distribution. The transmission to humans, which are intermediate hosts, occurs by ingestion of contaminated food and water or by direct contact with infected animals. Involvement of heart and pericardium is an extremely rare condition. We present a case of an 18-year-old female patient, admitted in cardiology department complaining of chest pain and subfebrility. Transthoracic echocardiography and contrast enhanced CT revealed huge well-organized intramyocardial cyst in the lateral left ventricular wall with a few daughter cysts. The diagnosis of cardiac echinococcosis was confirmed by serological blood test - ELISA. We performed total resection of the cyst using extracorporeal circulation. The postoperative period was uneventful. Albendazole treatment was administered. The patient was followed-up one year with good postoperative result without any signs of relapse of the disease. Cardiac hydatid disease is rarity, but it is a life-threatening condition because of the high risk of cyst perforation. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial. Echocardiographic findings are extremely valuable for diagnosis. The results of surgical echinococcectomy combined with oral antihelmintic therapy postoperatively are preferred rather than conservative strategy alone.