COMPLICATIONS OF CARDIAC HYDATIC CYST - 2 CASES

BACKGROUND: Cardiac localization of hydatiosis is uncommon, involving 0.5 to 2% of all cases. CASE REPORTS: The first patient was a 15 year old aldolescent whose cardiac hydatidosis was revealed by tamponnade. The second case was discovered in a 28-year-old woman without cardiac signs who was explored for allergy manifestations with fever, urticari a and joint point. Both patients underwent surgery. Eighteen months af ter the operation, the second patient developed hemiplegia leading to the discovery of multi-organ localizations (brain, spleen, kidney) whi ch were not evidenced at the initial work-up, The neurological deficit and brain cysts regress with albendazole treatment DISCUSSION: The ri sk of rupture of the cardiac hydatic cyst requires rapid surgical cure . Medical treatments are discussed. Anti-hydatic drugs can be used alo ne in case of a contraindication for surgery. in other patients they a re given during the perioperatie period and for a prolonged period aft er surgery. (C) 1997, Masson, Paris.