Global Journal of Medical Case Reports, 2022, 2, 1-4
www.scipublications.org/journal/index.php/gjmcr
DOI: 10.31586/gjmcr.2021.195
DOI:https://doi.org/10.31586/gjmcr.2021.195 Global Journal of Medical Case Reports
Case report
Cardiac Hydatid Cyst: A Case Report
Edlira Rruci
1,2
, Ketjon Menkshi
1
, Saimir Kuçi
1
, Afërdita Veseli
1
, Gentian Vyshka
2,*
1
Service of Cardiological Surgery, University Hospital Center of Tirana, Albania
2
Biomedical and Experimental Department, Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine in Tirana, Albania
*Correspondence: gvyshka@gmail.com
Abstract: Although rarely, echinococcosis might present cardiac involvement, with cysts growing
inside myocardial structures of arising adjacent to heart. A careful differential diagnosis with other
mass formations and rare cardiac tumours is necessary, whenever there is a clinical and radiological
suspicion. Imaging studies and serology will establish diagnosis. A multidisciplinary approach is
warranted in all cases, with surgical intervention being unavoidable in most settings. Patients gen-
erally present with chest pain and dyspnoea. Cases need a close follow up of their postoperative
course, while being treated appropriately with albendazole (or mebendazole) for prevention of re-
currences.
Keywords: Hydatid disease; Cardiac involvement; Echo-lucent structures; Chest pain
1. Introduction
Cardiac hydatidosis is a rare manifestation of Echinococcus infection. It represents
0.5 to 2% of hydatic disease [1]. The most common localization is the myocardium of the
left ventricle but can also touch the right ventricle, atrium, pericardium, interventricular
septum, and pulmonary artery. Clinical presentation varies, ranging from clinical latency
or minor symptoms to cardiogenic shock and sudden death. This case describes an intra-
myocardial hydatid cyst of the left ventricle. Cardiac imaging and hydatid serology can
establish diagnosis. Therapy management should combine both surgery and medical
treatment by albendazole or mebendazole.
2. Case Presentation
A 14-year-old male living in a rural area in north Albania, presented to the Emer-
gency Department as a cardiogenic shock: BP 60 / 40 mm Hg, temperature 37.8*C and
paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia. The patient refers of two-week history of cough,
chest pain, palpitations, dyspnoea, fatigue, headache, nausea, abdominal pain. He was
transferred immediately to the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit. At this time, his pulse was
regular but very week, with a heart rate of 108 bpm and his blood pressure was 90/60 mm
Hg. Hematologic and biochemical laboratory exams were normal. Chest x ray showed a
localized bulge at the apex of the heart.
How to cite this paper: Rruci, E.,
Menkshi, K., Kuçi, S., Veseli, A., &
Vyshka, G. (2022). Cardiac Hydatid
Cyst: A Case Report. Global Journal of
Medical Case Reports, 2(1), 1–4. Re-
trieved from https://www.scipubli-
cations.com/journal/in-
dex.php/gjmcr/article/view/195
Received: December 01, 2021
Accepted: January 09, 2022
Published: January 10, 2022
Copyright:© 2021 by the authors.
Submitted for possible open access
publication under the terms and
conditions of the Creative Commons
Attribution (CC BY) license
(http://creativecommons.org/licenses
/by/4.0/).