A Very Rare Cause of Dyspnea in a Child: A Hydatid Cyst From Echinococcus

World J Pediatr Congenit Heart Surg. 2024 Jan;15(1):112-114. doi: 10.1177/21501351231178757. Epub 2023 Jun 20.

Abstract

Hydatid cyst is a human parasitic disease caused by echinococcus granulosus that affects mainly the liver or the lungs but may be found in any organ, including the heart in up to 2% of the cases. Humans are infected as accidental hosts by contaminated vegetables or water and by contact with saliva from infected animals. Although cardiac echinococcosis can be fatal, it is rare and often asymptomatic in the early stage. We present the case of a young boy living on a farm who suffered from mild exertional dyspnea. He suffered from pulmonary and cardiac echinococcosis and was treated surgically through median sternotomy to prevent potential cystic rupture.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Child
  • Dyspnea / etiology
  • Echinococcosis* / diagnosis
  • Echinococcosis* / diagnostic imaging
  • Echinococcus granulosus*
  • Echinococcus*
  • Humans
  • Liver
  • Male