Pulmonary embolism due to cardiac hydatid disease: imaging findings of unusual complication of hydatid cyst

Eur Radiol. 2002 Mar;12(3):627-33. doi: 10.1007/s003300100988. Epub 2001 Jun 30.

Abstract

We report two cases of primary cardiac hydatid cyst in which hydatid materials caused recurrent embolizations in pulmonary arteries and pulmonary parenchyma. Cardiac hydatid cysts may stay asymptomatic for a long time, until they reveal themselves being perforated into cardiac chambers and/or pulmonary artery or systemic circulation. The role of imaging techniques in diagnosis is discussed and the importance of dynamic enhanced CT, MR imaging, and enhanced MR angiography (MRA) is reported. Imaging findings were confirmed by surgery and pathology. Early diagnosis is essential because delayed treatment increases the morbidity and mortality rates.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Echinococcosis / complications
  • Echinococcosis / diagnosis*
  • Female
  • Heart Diseases / complications
  • Heart Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging / methods
  • Male
  • Pulmonary Embolism / etiology*
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed