OBJECTIVE: Echinococcosis is a serious health problem in some regions of the world. Although cardiovascular hydatid cyst is rare, its early diagnosis and surgical management is important. METHODS: We reviewed 10 patients with cardiovascular hydatid cyst who underwent surgery in our department between January 1982 and 2007. Standard cardiopulmonary bypass and antegrade cardioplegia with aortic cross-clamping were used in all but one patient. After the cysts were removed, the cavity was cleaned and then obliterated with purse-string sutures. Albendazole was used in all patients. The mean follow-up was 4.5 years. RESULTS: The mean age was 27 years (range 12 to 76 years). Eight patients were men. The hydatid cysts were located on left ventricle (five patients), left atrium (two patients), right ventricle (three patients), right atrium (one patient), pericardium (one patient), and aorta (one patient). Except for two patients who died, all were discharged without postoperative complications. There was no late cardiac mortality or recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: Cardiac hydatid cyst should be treated surgically without delay. Although its surgical treatment carries a high complication rate, gentle handling of the heart during cardiopulmonary bypass minimizes operative risk.
OBJECTIVE:Echinococcosis is a serious health problem in some regions of the world. Although cardiovascular hydatid cyst is rare, its early diagnosis and surgical management is important. METHODS: We reviewed 10 patients with cardiovascular hydatid cyst who underwent surgery in our department between January 1982 and 2007. Standard cardiopulmonary bypass and antegrade cardioplegia with aortic cross-clamping were used in all but one patient. After the cysts were removed, the cavity was cleaned and then obliterated with purse-string sutures. Albendazole was used in all patients. The mean follow-up was 4.5 years. RESULTS: The mean age was 27 years (range 12 to 76 years). Eight patients were men. The hydatid cysts were located on left ventricle (five patients), left atrium (two patients), right ventricle (three patients), right atrium (one patient), pericardium (one patient), and aorta (one patient). Except for two patients who died, all were discharged without postoperative complications. There was no late cardiac mortality or recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: Cardiac hydatid cyst should be treated surgically without delay. Although its surgical treatment carries a high complication rate, gentle handling of the heart during cardiopulmonary bypass minimizes operative risk.