Hydatid cyst of the heart

What is it?

A hydatid cyst is a fluid-filled pocket caused by a parasite, the echinococcus tapeworm, carried by dogs and found around farm animals. Its location in the heart is rare; the liver and the lungs are affected far more often. A cardiac cyst has to be removed, because it hinders the working of the heart and can lead to complications. Treatment combines surgery with an antiparasitic medicine.

Step by step

1. 1

   The work-up includes an echocardiogram, imaging (CT scan or MRI) and a blood test (serology). It also looks for cysts elsewhere, in particular in the liver and the lungs.

2. 2

   An antiparasitic medicine (albendazole) is usually started before the operation.

3. 3

   The operation is performed under general anaesthesia, through an opening of the sternum.

4. 4

   Cardiopulmonary bypass, a machine that temporarily takes over the work of the heart and lungs, allows the surgery to be carried out on a still heart.

5. 5

   The operative field is isolated, then the cyst is emptied and removed in full with its membrane, avoiding any spread of its contents.

6. 6

   The remaining cavity is closed, the sternum is closed and you are monitored in intensive care during the first days.

Recovery and follow-up

Hospital stay usually lasts a few days, with monitoring in intensive care at the beginning. The antiparasitic treatment is continued for several weeks after the operation, as prescribed. The sternum takes about two months to heal, and during this period lifting and effort with the arms are restricted. Imaging follow-up is scheduled to check that the disease has not returned.