Isolated cardiac hydatid cyst in interventricular septum: a case report and literature review

Abstract Background: Human hydatid disease occurs after infection with Echinococcus granulosus, mainly involves liver and lung, while hydatid involves heart is infrequent. A great majority of hydatid diseases could be asymptomatic, and incidentally found through examination. Here, we reported a woman who suffered an isolated cardiac hydatid cyst located at the interventricular septum. Case presentation: A 48-year-old woman presented intermittent chest pain was admitted to the hospital. Imaging examination revealed a cyst located at the interventricular septum near the right ventricular apex. Considering medical history and serological results, cardiac hydatid disease was diagnosed. The cyst was successfully removed, while pathological biopsy confirmed the infection of Echinococcus granulosus. Postoperative course was uneventful, the patient was discharged from hospital without complications. Conclusion: For symptomatic cardiac hydatid cyst, surgical resection is necessary to avoid progression of disease. During surgical procedure, appropriate methods to reduce the potential risk of hydatid cyst metastasis are essential. Besides surgery, combined with regular drug therapy is an effective strategy to prevent reappearance.