Off-pump excision of ventricular myocardial hydatid cyst: a case report and review of literature

Hydatid disease is a parasitic infection caused by the tapeworm Echinococcus. It has a worldwide distribution, but it is endemic in certain geographic locations. Hydatid disease can involve any body organ. Cardiac echinococcosis is a rare but potentially very serious complication of hydatid disease. This paper presents a case report of a myocardial hydatid cyst, which was totally excised without the aid of cardiopulmonary bypass. The patient was admitted to the hospital with non-specific symptoms and complaint of atypical chest pain together with palpitations. Transthoracic echocardiography with color Doppler imaging and computerized tomography with contrast were done for diagnosis and for deciding the strategy of operation. With the aid of intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography and controlled fluid evacuation, curative excision was performed after confirming that there is no communication with the cardiac chambers. The patient recovered well and postoperative anti-helminthic therapy was instituted. The patient continues to do well after 4 years of follow-up.