Incidental finding of cardiac hydatid cysts, report of two cases

BACKGROUND: Hydatid is a parasitic infection which can affect any organ of body. In some organs like liver and lung; it can be found regularly while in other organs like heart, it is seen very rarely. Cardiac hydatid cysts comprise less than of 2% of hydatid infection cases and may be detected incidentally. CASE PRESENTATION: Authors report two cases of cardiac hydatid cysts in young adult patients living in rural areas of the country with positive animal contact. Both patients were complained from shortness of breath and cough. Contrast enhanced chest computed tomography (CT) revealed left ventricular wall hydatid cysts in addition to lung and liver hydatid cysts. CONCLUSION: Cardiac hydatid cyst is a rare finding with wide range of signs and symptoms. These may be suspected in patients coming from endemic areas. Echocardiographic follow up of patients with liver or lung hydatid cysts can be helpful.