Superinfection of a Pericardial Hydatid Cyst Leading to Sepsis and Multi-Organ Failure

Introduction

Cystic echinococcosis is a zoonosis caused by the larvae of the tapeworm Echinococcus granulosus. It is endemic in Europe. The parasitic disease occurs in humans when the ova of Echinococcus granulosus from canine faeces are ingested. After ingestion, the parasite crosses the duodenal wall and spreads to almost any organ of the body via the portal and systemic circulation, with liver (60 – 70 %) and lungs (10 – 15 %) being the most frequent sites of hydatid cyst affection [McManus DP et al. Lancet 2003; 362: 1295]. The pericardium and heart are reported to be involved in less than 2 % of cases. Mediastinal hydatid cysts are even more rare, accounting for 0.5 % of cases [Dighiero J et al. Circulation 1958; 17: 128 – 131]. We report about a patient who was incidentally diagnosed with pericardial and mediastinal echinococcus cysts, with superinfection of one pericardial cyst leading to sepsis and multi-organ failure.