Echinococcosis in left ventricle: a case report.

INTRODUCTION

Echinococcosis, also called hydatid disease, is a common parasitic infection of the liver. However, echinococcus lesions rarely involve the heart, especially in children.

PATIENT CONCERNS: An 8-year-old child from grazing areas of northwest China was referred to our hospital for the complaint of inpersistent precordial chest pain and left upper quadrant pain for 3 years. Palpation showed hepatomegaly, abdominal palpable mass while inspection abdominal distension. Routine blood tests were within the normal ranges.

DIAGNOSIS: Combining the life history in pasture area, imaging features and serology results, it was consistent with the diagnosis of cardiac echinococcosis.

INTERVENTIONS: Surgery was performed to evacuate cyst liquid and remove the internal capsule of the cyst.

OUTCOMES: There was no cystic lesion in heart on ultrasound and her physical condition improved significantly after the surgery. The patient died of hepatic hydatid cyst rupture due to refusing high-risk surgical treatment and other treatment.

LESSONS: We presented a rare case of cystic echinococcosis involving left ventricle in a child, and surgery is an alternative and effective therapy for this lesion due to the cyst rupture or leakage that can result in anaphylaxis. The typical imaging features of the cardiac echinococcosis on cardiac magnetic resonance are presented. Patient prognosis relies on proper treatment of all lesions.