Hydatid heart disease

Abstract

Hydatid disease is common in many parts of the world (Devé, 1949; Heyat et al, 1971) and is endemic in Spain (De Diego et al, 1982). At least three species of Echinococcus infect people: cystic hydatid disease is caused by E. granulosus; alveolar hydatid disease is caused by E. multilocularis; a polycystic form of hydatid disease is caused by E. oligarthus. The most common type of infestation is produced by E. granulosus (De Diego et al, 1982). Hydatid cyst has been reported in almost all human tissues and organs. The liver is the most frequently parasitised organ in humans, with an infestation rate of approximately 60% (Romero-Torres & Campbell, 1965). Echinococcal cyst of the heart is infrequently encountered (Dighiero et al, 1958; Kean & Breslau, 1964). Balikian and Mudarris (1974) reported one case affecting the heart in their study. Sadrieh and Navabpoor (1967) reported one case of hydatid heart disease in their study of 342 cases of Echinococcus disease. We report two cases of hydatid heart disease diagnosed at autopsy and surgery respectively.