Cardiac Hydatid Cyst Successfully Managed with Albendazole: A Case Report

Hydatid disease is a parasitic infection caused by tapeworm Echinococcus. It has a worldwide distribution, but it is endemic in certain geographic locations. Hydatid disease can almost involve any body organ. However, cardiac involvement is exceedingly rare. We report the case of young girl presenting with chest pain and shortness of breath. She had a history of renal hydatid cyst for which she underwent surgical resection. After thorough investigation, she was found to have a hydatid cyst involving the left ventricular wall. The patient's family refused surgical management, and she had received medical treatment in the form of albendazole which showed dramatic improvement in her condition. This case shed light on the importance of having a high index of suspicion for this condition, particularly in those patients with a history of hydatid cysts in other organs.