Surgical Treatment and Outcomes of 10 Cases with Cardiac Echinococcosis

Cardiac echinococcosis is an uncommon and potentially fatal complication of hydatid cyst disease, which has an intricate diagnosis and treatment because of various presentation, diverse signs and symptoms, and abundant and sometimes unpredictable complications. This study reviewed the results of surgical treatment of 10 cases of cardiac echinococcosis. This case of series was done in ten cases of cardiac echinococcosis underwent surgical treatment at Shahid Madani Heart Hospital, Tabriz, in a 12 years period (1992-2004). For collecting data a questionnaire was used and statistical analysis was performed with SPSS software and descriptive statistical methods. There were 7 female and 3 male patients (F/M Ratio=1.75/1). The mean age of patients was 24.6 years old. All patients operated through median sternotomy with cardiopulmonary bypass. Surgical treatment included puncture of cyst and sterilization with hypertonic saline solution and total cyst extirpation. There was preoperative mortality and cerebral hydatid cyst occurred in another patient one year later. All patients received albendazol pre- and post-operation. According to the results of this study, surgical treatment of cardiac hydatid cyst seems to be a safe approach. It is recommended that patients should receive mebedazole or albendazole for 6 to 24 months after surgery. Reduction of serum levels of antibodies against echinococcus or a negative result signifies a successful treatment.