Isolated cardiac hydatid cyst: A rare but potentially life threatening presentation of hydatid infection

Abstract

Cardiac hydatid disease which is caused by the larval form of Echinococcus granuloses is the rarest yet significant presentation which is characterized by the formation of cystic lesions within the heart. It is not as common as hepatic, pulmonary hydatidosis, hence poses a unique diagnostic challenge. It may lead to severe complications like cardiac tamponade, embolism and arrhythmias. Here we present a rare case of cardiac hydatid from central India, a 74-year-old female from central India with complaints of chest pain radiating to her left hand since a duration of 2 months. After suspecting it as pericardial and cardiac hydatid on ultrasonography; diagnosis was confirmed on CT thorax and Cardiac MRI. Both CT and MRI are helpful to precise the morphological features of the cysts as well as their location.