Cardiac and pericardial hydatid cysts: a single center analysis of 22 cases.

Summary: Hydatid cysts are fluid-filled sacs caused by a parasite. It is very rare for them to grow in or around the heart. In this study, doctors looked at 22 patients who had heart cysts over a 15-year period. Most of these patients went to the doctor because they had chest pain or trouble breathing.

The doctors found that surgery is the only safe and effective way to treat this problem. All 20 patients who had surgery survived and did well. Sadly, the two patients who refused surgery and only took medicine passed away. After surgery, patients must take a special medicine called albendazole to keep the cysts from coming back. The main takeaway is clear: if a cyst is in the heart, prompt surgery saves lives.