Ruptured Hydatid Cysts Resulted in Infectious Pericardial Effusion and Development of Cardiac Tamponade: A Rare Presentation

Cardiac Hydatidosis is a rare and ominous complication of hydatid disease. Cardiac echinococcosis may be asymptomatic for several years but could be discovered after the development of lethal complications.

A 31-year-old-male referred with possible diagnosis of acute pericarditis. Abdominal and pelvic spiral CT scan showed focal and heterogeneous increased thickness of lateral left ventricular (LV) wall with protrusion into LV and bulging into pericardial space without central enhancement. His condition deteriorated suddenly due to cardiac tamponade with round cystic lesions suspected to hydatid cyst. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging showed some round particles within effusion suggestive of possible scolex around the LV. There was round, and inhomogeneous cystic mass originated from sub-epicardial layer of mid-lateral LV that protruded into pericardial space. Diagnosis of hydatic cyst was confirmed by surgical specimen.

We suggest that patients with pericarditis should be probed with echocardiography for the presence of hydatid cysts.