Abstract
Echinococcosis, also known as hydatid disease, is a common parasitic human infestation found in sheep-breeding areas. It is caused by the larvae stage of Echinococcus granulosus, and cysts develop mostly in the lungs and the liver. Cardiac involvement is unusual and silent until acute complications or a fatal outcome occurs. Herein, we report an autopsy case of a young healthy adult who died suddenly. The autopsy revealed an external bulging on the right heart ventricle outlet with a fluid-filled cystic cavity discovered on sectioning. Dissection of other organs did not reveal other cyst locations. Histological examination ascertained the diagnosis of hydatid cyst, and death was attributed to cardiac arrhythmias. Pathologists should keep in mind that hydatid cysts can develop anywhere in the body. Solitary cardiac cyst is rare and can simulate a “silent bomb”. Unfortunately, sudden death remains the frequent manner of revelation of this disease in endemic areas.
Highlights
Echinococcosis, known as hydatid disease, is a parasitic human infestation that commonly occurs in countries where sheep farming is widespread, such as Mediterranean countries[1]
We report an autopsy case of a young patient who died suddenly due to an unrecognized hydatid cyst located in the right heart ventricle
Hydatid disease is a parasitic infection most often induced by the larval form of the tapeworm E. granulosus, for which dogs are the definitive host[5]
Summary
Cardiovasc J Afr. 28 (5): 304-308 was considered in the references (number 4)
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