Pericardial, pulmonary and hepatic hydatid cyst

Abstract

Pericardial hydatid cyst without cardiac involvement is extremely rare even in endemic countries [1], it results from the development of the larval form of Echinococcus granulosus tapeworm. Only 2–10% of cardiac echinococcosis are characterized by a pericardial cyst formation [2]. Clinical presentation usually regroups dyspnea, weakness, unexplained weight loss. When the localization of the cyst is cardiac, the occurrence of tamponade with fatal outcomes may occur if not treated early [3]. Diagnosis is based on imaging data and assisted by serology. The treatment often combines surgical procedures with medical therapy with albendazole [4]. The pericardial location makes the surgical treatment more challenging. . We report the clinical observation of a 5 years old operated child. We present the case of a 5 year-old boy whose parents sought medical attention due to dyspnea and abdominal mass.

Keywords

• Hydatid cyst
• Pericardial hydatidosis
• Hydatid disease