Acute pericardial tamponade due to ruptured multiloculated myocardial hydatid cyst

Abstract

Hydatidosis is a parasitic infestation caused by Echinococcus granulosus . Although uncommon, cardiac involvement has serious consequences. The incidence, even in countries where it is endemic, is <2%.1–3 The most frequent location of the cyst is the interventricular septum and left ventricular free wall. Patients with cardiac echinococcosis may remain asymptomatic for many years or have minor non-specific complaints, but it is associated with an increased risk of lethal complications if undiagnosed and untreated.2–4 In this study, we report a patient with a hydatid cyst lying at the apicolateral and apical segment of the left ventricle, which caused pericardial tamponade due to pericardial effusion and cyst rupture. A 36-year-old man with fever, rigor, substernal chest pain, and progressive dyspnoea for 2 weeks was admitted to our hospital. On admission, he was orthopnoeic and NHYA class IV functional capacity. He had a pain that radiated to his back and neck, changed in severity with postural changes, and aggravated by deep breathing. He was healthy before and had no history of heart or lung disease, but he works in a factory with many dogs. On physical examination, he appeared in distress. The blood pressure was 95/70 mmHg. …