Is surgical therapy the only treatment of choice for cardiac echinococcossis with multiple organ involvement?

Abstract

A 25-year-old male patient suffered from multi-organ hydatidosis including cardiac and bilateral pulmonary echinococcosis. Echocardiography revealed the hydatid cyst 20×35 mm in dimension located in the interventricular septum. The patient refused surgery; albendazole 400 mg/day was given orally and was continued for 24 months. The follow-up echocardiography 24 months later showed that the cyst showed regression 15×25 mm in dimension and demonstrated albendazole-induced echocardiographic changes. Medical treatment in hydatid disease might be recommended when the disease is extensive, the surgery is contraindicated or refused by the patient. © 2003 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.