CARDIAC HYDATID CYST: A RARE CASE REPORT

Introduction: Hydatidosis, an anthropozoonosis prevalent in many sheep-farming countries, continues to pose a significant health concern. Cardiac localization represents a rare and distinctive manifestation, accounting for less than 2% of total cases. This report details a case where surgical intervention, coupled with antiparasitic chemotherapy, was used for effective treatment. Patients and Methods: A 36-years-old female, residing in a rural area renowned for agricultural and livestock activities, was under cardiology supervision due to rheumatic polyvalvulopathy. Having undergone hepatic hydatid cyst surgery one year earlier, The reason for her consultation in cardiology was exertional dyspnea, left thoracic pain, palpitations, afebrility, and asthenia. The disease diagnosis relied on imaging findings.Treatment involved the urgent surgical excision of the cyst, followed by the oral administration of albendazole at 400mg x 2 per day, initiated 48 hours postoperatively. With no contraindications, the patient underwent continuous biological monitoring during hospitalization, reporting no adverse effects. The antiparasitic regimen persisted for 4 months. Conclusion: Albendazole, whether used as a standalone therapy or in combination, remains a highly effective treatment. It can either substitute for or complement surgical approaches, offering the flexibility of extended treatment durations. Vigilant monitoring of hepatic function is imperative in these instances to identify potential adverse effects. Two-dimensional transthoracic echocardiography plays a pivotal role in tracking patient progress and evaluating treatment efficacy.Prevention stands out as the most effective strategy against hydatid cysts, emphasizing collective awareness and proactive patient management to avert cyst dissemination.