Heart echinococcosis: Current problems and surgical treatment.

We present historical, epidemiological, and statistical data on heart echinococcosis (also known as hydatid disease) and concomitant lesions of different organs, as well as a demonstration of its surgical management. The diagnosis of heart echinococcosis is based on review and identification of the cyst and we evaluate the various common diagnostic methods. Surgical treatment of patients with heart echinococcosis may require cardiopulmonary bypass or may be an off-pump procedure depending on the location of the cysts.  Finally, we present some additional techniques for prevention of recurrence.