Multiple Thoracic Hydatidosis: A Case Report

Abstract

Background: Multiple thoracic hydatidosis is uncommon even in endemic countries. Case Presentation: A 37-year-old Caucasian man came to our observation with a 10-day history of basi-thoracic chest pain and dyspnea. Chest X-ray showed a well limited cardiac opacity associated to an opacity of the upper lobe of the right lung. Chest CT-scan showed a mediastinal cyst evoking a hydatid cyst in the left ventricle associated to a right pleural effusion. The patient underwent surgery that consisted in the drainage of multiple pericardial cysts, cystectomy of a left ventricle cyst and right pleural cystectomy. Microscopic examination showed a pleuro-pulmonary and cardio- pericardial hydatidosis. The patient was treated with albendazole and did not present complications or recurrences after one year of follow up. Conclusion: Multiple thoracic hydatidosis is rare. Cardiac location is most challenging because it is difficult to manage and life threatening. Treatment modalities continue to be based mainly on surgery. Preventive measures are necessary to avoid disease recurrence.