Case Report: Sudden death related to unrecognized cardiac hydatid cyst [version 3; peer review: 2 approved]

Echinococcosis, also known as hydatid disease, is a common parasitic human infestation found in sheep-breeding areas. It is caused by the larvae stage of Echinococcus granulosus, and cysts develop mostly in the lungs and the liver. Cardiac involvement is unusual and silent until acute complications...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Yosra Mahjoub, Med Amin Mesrati, Marwa Boussaid, Nouha Ben Abdejlil, Hiba Limem, Meriem Belhaj, Abdelfeteh Zakhama, Ali Chadly, Abir Aissaoui
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: F1000 Research Ltd 2022-09-01
Series:F1000Research
Subjects:
Online Access:https://f1000research.com/articles/9-286/v3
Description
Summary:Echinococcosis, also known as hydatid disease, is a common parasitic human infestation found in sheep-breeding areas. It is caused by the larvae stage of Echinococcus granulosus, and cysts develop mostly in the lungs and the liver. Cardiac involvement is unusual and silent until acute complications or a fatal outcome occurs. Herein, we report an autopsy case of a young healthy adult who died suddenly. The autopsy revealed an external bulging on the right heart ventricle outlet with a fluid-filled cystic cavity discovered on sectioning. Dissection of other organs did not reveal other cyst locations. Histological examination ascertained the diagnosis of hydatid cyst, and death was attributed to cardiac arrhythmias. Pathologists should keep in mind that hydatid cysts can develop anywhere in the body. Solitary cardiac cyst is rare and can simulate a “silent bomb”. Unfortunately, sudden death remains the frequent manner of revelation of this disease in endemic areas.
ISSN:2046-1402