Hüseyin ÇETİK, Mahir KUYUMCU, Muzaffer BAHÇIVAN
Türk Göğüs Kalp Damar Cerrahisi Dergisi - 2026;34(3):265-266
Hydatid cyst is a protozoal disease that most commonly affects the liver and lungs, rarely involves the heart, and is frequently seen in countries, where animal husbandry is widespread. This study presents a case of a hydatid cyst located in the interventricular septum. A 58-year-old female patient engaged in livestock farming in a rural village admitted to the emergency department approximately one week earlier with complaints of severe abdominal pain, dyspnea, and chest pain. Transthoracic echocardiography demonstrated a cystic lesion measuring 2.5 cmx2.5 cm in the interventricular septum (IVS), closer to the right ventricle. Abdominal and thoracic computed tomography (CT) scans revealed multiple cystic lesions in the liver and a cardiac cyst. Surgical excision of the cardiac cyst under cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) was planned. Under general anesthesia, a median sternotomy was performed. The right ventricle was incised with a 2 cm longitudinal cut at the level of the IVS, and the right ventricular cavity was entered. A cystic lesion was observed within the IVS. After aspiration of the cyst content, the cystic structure was excised, and the residual cavity was irrigated thoroughly with abundant fluid. Following a CPB duration of approximately 70 minutes, the patient was successfully weaned from bypass. The patient was discharged on postoperative day 6 and was instructed to continue oral albendazole therapy. In conclusion, cardiac hydatid cyst is a rare but serious disease for which surgical intervention is the primary treatment modality. Surgical management requires meticulous technique to prevent contamination and myocardial damage.
