Left ventricle hydatid cyst mimicking acute coronary syndrome

J Infect Dev Ctries. 2012 Jul 23;6(7):579-83. doi: 10.3855/jidc.1721.

Abstract

Cardiac echinococcosis rarely mimics acute coronary syndrome. The diagnosis of cardiac hydatid cyst might be difficult on account of varying clinical presentations and nonspesific symptoms. A 75-year-old female was admitted to our hospital with typical chest pain. The patient had no history of previous cardiac symptoms or any illness leading to heart disease. Her ECG revealed ischemic changes. However, her coronary angiography revealed noncritical plaques in the left anterior descending artery. The diagnosis of cardiac echinococcosis was identified using echocardiography, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. The patient was referred to cardiac surgery for resection of the cyst; however, she refused surgery. Albendezol 800 mg/day was prescribed.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Acute Coronary Syndrome / diagnosis*
  • Acute Coronary Syndrome / parasitology
  • Acute Coronary Syndrome / pathology
  • Aged
  • Coronary Angiography
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Echinococcosis / diagnosis*
  • Echocardiography
  • Female
  • Heart Ventricles / parasitology
  • Heart Ventricles / pathology*
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed