Cardiac hydatid disease: report of two cases.
Cardiac involvement in hydatid disease is rare, occurring in less than 2% of cases of hydatid infection. It can occur as part of a widespread systemic infection or as an isolated event. It may be asymptomatic for a long period before presenting with a myriad of non-specific symptoms. Imaging plays an important role in the diagnosis, surgical planning and follow up of cases. Current treatment involves attempted surgical resection (cystopericystectomy) with long-term follow-up chemotherapy (Albendazole). Both the disease and its surgical treatment carry a high complication rate, including rupture leading to anaphylaxis and death.
Snodgrass
Duncan
D
Department of Radiology, Royal North Shore Hospital, Sydney. duncmac@ozemail.com.au
Blome
Steven
S
D000328:Adult; D004443:Echinococcosis / Q000175:diagnosis*; D005260:Female; D006331:Heart Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000469:parasitology* / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed