Diagnostic value of two-dimensional echocardiography in cardiac hydatid disease

Echinococcal infection of the heart is rare. The preoperativefindings, with special attention to two-dimensional echocardiography(2DE), of six patients with cardiac echinococcosis and theirsurgical and pathological correlations are reported. Cardiachydatid cysts (HCs) were located in the cardiac apex in threepatients, in the upper part of the interventricular septum extendingtowards the anterior aspect of the heart in one and in the postero-superiorright atrial wall in another patient. The remaining patienthad multiple intrapericardial cysts. In three patients the cystspresented as well defined, rounded, echolucent masses withinthe myocardial wall bulging into the cardiac chambers. In twopatients, the cysts had ruptured into a cardiac chamber withloss of the characteristic ‘cystic’ appearance;these cysts presented as an echogenic or solid mass protrudinginto a cardiac chamber. Finally, another patient had one HCwith echolucent appearance and another HC in a different locationwith echogenic appearance; this last cyst corresponded to adegenerated HC. In two cases the cyst showed a loculated internalaspect. In one patient the myocardial segment involved by thecyst had a dyskinetic movement. In all six patients, 2DE accuratelydemonstrated the location and morphological details of the cardiaccysts, permitted recognition of the ruptured and/or degeneratedcysts and was superior to thoracic computed tomography and angiographyin the preoperative assessment of these patients. Nuclear magneticresonance imaging (one patient) gave no further informationto that obtained by 2DE. We conclude that 2DE is the techniqueof choice for an early diagnosis of this rare entity.     

Diagnostic value of two-dimensional echocardiography in cardiac hydatid disease.

Echinococcal infection of the heart is rare. The preoperative findings, with special attention to two-dimensional echocardiography (2DE), of six patients with cardiac echinococcosis and their surgical and pathological correlations are reported. Cardiac hydatid cysts (HCs) were located in the cardiac apex in three patients, in the upper part of the interventricular septum extending towards the anterior aspect of the heart in one and in the postero-superior right atrial wall in another patient. The remaining patient had multiple intrapericardial cysts. In three patients the cysts presented as well defined, rounded, echolucent masses within the myocardial wall bulging into the cardiac chambers. In two patients, the cysts had ruptured into a cardiac chamber with loss of the characteristic 'cystic' appearance; these cysts presented as an echogenic or solid mass protruding into a cardiac chamber. Finally, another patient had one HC with echolucent appearance and another HC in a different location with echogenic appearance; this last cyst corresponded to a degenerated HC. In two cases the cyst showed a loculated internal aspect. In one patient the myocardial segment involved by the cyst had a dyskinetic movement. In all six patients, 2DE accurately demonstrated the location and morphological details of the cardiac cysts, permitted recognition of the ruptured and/or degenerated cysts and was superior to thoracic computed tomography and angiography in the preoperative assessment of these patients. Nuclear magnetic resonance imaging (one patient) gave no further information to that obtained by 2DE. We conclude that 2DE is the technique of choice for an early diagnosis of this rare entity.     

Infected cardiac hydatid cyst

A 24 year old woman presented with chest pain and palpitation. The presence of a semisolid mass—an echinococcal cyst or tumour—in the left ventricular apex was diagnosed by echocardiography, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging. The infected cyst was seen at surgery. The cyst was removed successfully by using cardiopulmonary bypass with cross clamp.


Keywords: cardiac hydatid cyst; infected cardiac hydatid cyst     

Intracardiac thrombus formation in association with hydatid disease

Cardiac hydatid disease is rare, but life threatening. A pedunculated hydatid cyst which mimicked a left atrial myxoma was diagnosed on two-dimensional echocardiography. The degree of cardiac involvement at necropsy was much greater than indicated by either echocardiography or limited cardiac catheterization. The suggestion that only echocardiography be performed before surgery is undertaken may be inappropriate in many cases.     

1例肝、肺、脊柱、脑多部位包虫病的临床治疗

[摘要]?包虫病以肝组织受累较常见,但也可由血液转移至肝外其他组织,如：肺、骨骼及中枢神经系统而致病。而肝外转移发病率低且不宜鉴别,易误诊或漏诊,尤其是出现颅内转移较为罕见,且致残致死率高。本文回顾性分析了1例肝、肺、脊柱多部位包虫病患者的临床治疗过程以及随访结果。该患者以胸背部疼痛、伴双下肢无力行走困难为主要临床表现而就诊。脊柱MRI及CT显示胸椎多椎体骨质破坏并椎间盘感染致胸椎稳定性丧失、继发性椎管狭窄、死骨的形成、坏死物组织压迫刺激脊髓及神经根引起神经症状。入院后在手术条件允许下行后入路胸椎病灶清除、椎管减压植骨融合内固定术,术后规律口服阿苯达唑片,20 mg/kg,1次/d。 3个月后患者自行停药。1年后患者出现包虫病肺部转移,2年后出现包虫病颅内转移而再次入院,但患者入院7 d后死亡。     

Systematic diagnostic method of two-dimensional echocardiography in congenital heart disease

Summary A two-dimensional echocardiographic (2-DE) method of segmental approach for diagnosis of congenital heart disease is presented. Firstly, the visceroatrial situs is determined, i.e., whether it is solitus, inversus, or ambiguous, by identifying the inferior vena cava to right atrium junction. Secondly, it is ascertained whether the ventricular loop is D-loop or L-loop. The ventricular loop is determined by identifying the internal structure of the right and left ventricles by 2-DE. Thirdly, the spatial relationships of the great arteries are determined by identifying the pulmonary artery and aorta. The pulmonary artery is identified by its branches, and the other artery is the aorta. Fourthly, the atrioventricular connection is determined as follows: (1) usual alignment, (2) criss-crossing, (3) straddling, (4) double inlet, and (5) unilateral atrioventricular valve atresia, by using an apical four-chamber echo view. Finally, the ventriculo-great arterial relationship is determined from the apical four-chamber echo view with a tilting maneuver or by echocardiographic recognition of the existence of the fibrous continuities. Following this echocardiographic five-step approach, hemodynamic considerations should be included, and by integrating all the information the diagnosis of congenital heart disease is completed.     

Management of hydatid disease of the liver—10 years' experience in a non-endemic area

The incidence of hydatid disease of the liver caused byEchinococcus granulosus in Austria, a nonendemic region in central Europe, is documented over a 10-year period. Since 1984, 28 patients (24 women, 4 men) with hydatid disease of the liver have undergone surgery in our department. A definitive diagnosis was established by combining serological tests (an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay withEchinococcus multilocularis antigen and an indirect hemagglutination assay withEchinococcus granulosus antigen) and abdominal imaging (computed tomography scan and ultrasonography). Twenty-four patients (85.7%) had uncomplicated echinococcosis; in most of them (16) total closed pericystectomy was done. Four patients (14.3%) had complicated echinococcosis, suffering from intrabiliary rupture and spontaneous perforation into the peritoneal cavity, and in two of these patients (7.1%) pyogenic transformation, one with abscess perforation, occurred. Postoperative complications were significantly more common in patients with complicated echinococcosis and included two bile leaks (necessitating prolonged tube drainage), pleural effusion, atelectasis, and wound infection. One recurrence of hydatid infection due to previous spontaneous perforation required reoperation 4 years after the primary event. The low recurrence rate of uncomplicated echinococcosis (0%) over a mean period of 5.6 years and of 3.6% when peritoneal echinococcosis was included may be the result of the radical surgical technique employed.     

The management of hepatic hydatid cysts: Review of 94 cases

In this retrospective study, 94 patients operated for hepatic hydatid cysts were reviewed to compared the advantages and disadvantages of different operative techniques. The patients were divided into four groups according to the type of operation. Group I consisted of 33 patients with peripherally located small cysts, eligible for excision, who underwent cystectomy. Group II consisted of 28 patients with cysts smaller than 5 cm, not suitable for complete removal, who underwent partial cystectomy with capitonnage. Group III were 21 patients with cysts larger than or equal to 5 cm, not suitable for complete removal, who underwent partial cystectomy with omentoplasty. Infection and biliary communication were not seen in groups II and III. Group IV were 12 patients with infected cyst or intrabiliary rupture who underwent partial cystectomy with external drainage. In group IV, hospital stay was longer than in the other groups (P < 0.05). Group I had the shortest hospital stay (P < 0.05). Group IV had the highest morbidity and recurrence rates (P < 0.05). We concluded that cystectomy is the technique of choice in selected patients, as it is associated with low morbidity, low recurrence rates, and short hospital stay. Omentoplasty is preferred if cystectomy is not feasible. If there is biliary contamination and infection, external drainage, rather than omentoplasty, should be performed.     

Primary cardiac hydatid cyst presenting as noncompaction cardiomyopathy

We report a case of cyst was initially labeled as left ventricular noncompaction cardiomyopathy. An accurate diagnosis is essential to establish the most effective treatment strategy. In particular, echocardiographic examination assists in identifying the correct diagnosis. In this case, two‐dimensional and three‐dimensional echocardiography and computed tomography were used for definitive diagnosis of cardiac hydatid cyst.     

Intraoperative epicardial two-dimensional echocardiography

The usefulness of intraoperative epicardial two-dimensional(2D) echocardiography using a commercially available 5 MHz mechanicalsector scanner was evaluated in 200 patients. The scanhead wasinserted into a gas sterilized plastic bag and placed on theexposed heart. Unsuspected new diagnoses were made in 7 patients.In 68 patients additional morphologic information was obtained.This information influenced surgical management in 32 patients.Intraoperative echocardiographic analysis of the surgical correctionrevealed the expected results in 184 patients. In 16 patientsthe investigation provided important information in the decisionof immediate reoperation. We conclude that epicardial two-dimensionalechocardiography performed by the surgeon familiar with theinterpretation of echocardiographic cross-sections yields importantinformation for surgical management. The technique has becomean important adjunct in our cardiac surgery department for immediatedecision making and leads to optimal results.     

Live three-dimensional transthoracic echocardiographic assessment of left ventricular hydatid cyst

We report an adult patient in whom live three-dimensional transthoracic echocardiography (3DTTE) complemented two-dimensional transthoracic echocardiography (2DTTE) in making a definitive diagnosis of a hydatid cyst located in the left ventricular cavity. The parent hydatid cyst, as well as the daughter cysts, contained within it could be delineated by both 2DTTE and live 3DTTE. However, the tertiary or granddaughter cysts originating from the daughter cysts as well as great-granddaughter cysts budding from tertiary cysts could be visualized only when the live 3DTTE data sets were cropped and sectioned sequentially using multiple cutting planes. In addition, apparent intrinsic mobility of some of the tertiary cysts implying viability was detected only by 3DTTE.     

The value of transesophageal echocardiography in the diagnosis of cardiac metastasis

To assess the diagnostic value of transesophageal two-dimensional echocardiography (TEE) as compared with transthoracic echocardiography (TTE), TTE and TEE were performed in eight consecutive patients (age range from 20 to 76 years, six male and two female) with clinical evidence of malignant tumors arising from the liver (n = 1), lung (n = 3), larynx (n = 1), osteogenic sarcoma (n = 1), lymphoma (n = 1), and yolk sac tumor in the anterior mediastinum (n = 1). In one case, the gastroscope could not be inserted because of tumor compression of the esophagus. Transesophageal echocardiography provided superior imaging in the detection of intracavitary metastatic lesions. In the case of right ventricular outflow tract tumor and greater vessel involvement, TTE may provide more imaging than TEE due to a blind area in this region by the transesophageal approach. In conclusion, TEE is complementary to TTE in the diagnosis of metastatic cardiac tumor.     

Cardiac hydatid cyst: report of two cases

Cardiac hydatid cyst is life threatening but rare. It is usually asymptomatic and has potentially lethal complications, so early diagnosis with definitive treatment is life-saving. In the present article, we report two cases. The first is a 30-year-old woman with a primary large multivesicular hydatid cyst in the left ventricle. The second is a 17-year-old woman who had multivisceral involvement with a cardiac hydatid cyst, a congenital cardiac anomaly that was an atrial septal defect complicated by pulmonary hypertension. 2-D echocardiography and magnetic resonance imaging confirmed the diagnosis. Surgical treatment was performed using extracorporeal circulation and adjunctive albendazol therapy.     

Radiological findings of alveolar hydatid disease of the lung caused by Echinococcus multilocularis

Alveolar hydatid disease is a highly malignant form of echinococcosis caused by the larvae of the cestode Echinococcus multilocularis. Alveolar hydatid disease always affects the liver and can metastasise to the lungs and brain. The case reports describe the radiological features of alveolar hydatid disease of the lung caused by E. multilocularis. Multiple nodules which varied in size and shape were seen on CXR, CT showed most nodules to be lobulated, well circumscribed and of varying shape. Multiple lobulated lesions located between two segments of the lung and of varying shape appear to be characteristic of pulmonary alveolar hydatid disease caused by E. multilocularis.     

Pleural complications of pulmonary hydatid disease

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the incidence and diagnostic features of pleural manifestations of pulmonary hydatid disease. METHODOLOGY: Patients with pleural pathology in association with surgery for pulmonary hydatid disease over an 8-year period were evaluated. RESULTS: Twenty-nine (6%) of 474 patients with histologically confirmed pulmonary hydatid disease had pleural abnormalities. The diagnosis was determined preoperatively in 22 patients and was based on radiographic, clinical, and/or serology findings. Bronchoscopic specimens were diagnostic in two of seven patients who had bronchoscopy. Five patients were not diagnosed until surgery. Radiographic abnormalities consisted of pleural thickening and/or free fluid without intrapleural rupture of the cysts in 21 patients. Eight patients had a hydropneumothorax. Sixteen patients had an exudative, uncomplicated effusion. The remaining patients had empyemas. All patients had resection of the pulmonary cysts, and 20 also underwent a pleurectomy. The mean length of hospital stay was 23 +/- 14 days. There was no hospital mortality. CONCLUSION: Pleural lesions associated with pulmonary hydatid disease are rare and have a variable radiographic appearance. In regions in which echinococcal disease is endemic, a high level of clinical suspicion is necessary for diagnosis and appropriate management of this condition.     

Intraoperative echocardiography in cardiac emergencies

Echocardiography has brought about a new modality of surgical decision making in open heart surgery. Especially in urgent and emergency surgery, echocardiography can provide decisive insight into the underlying pathophysiological processes, improved monitoring of cardiac function, as well as immediate quality control after the procedure. The importance of intraoperative echocardiography for the cardiac surgeon is illustrated in a number of selected case reports.     

Correlation between calcific aortic stenosis diagnosed by two-dimensional echocardiography and cardiac catheterization

This retrospective study correlates the severity of calcific aortic stenosis determined by two-dimensional (2-D) echocardiography with the aortic valve area determined by catheterization in 57 patients. Aortic valve leaflet calcification was diagnosed by cineangiography in 50 (88%) of 57 patients and by 2-D echo in 57 (100%) of 57 patients (p less than 0.025). An agreement between severity of aortic stenosis by catheterization and 2-D echo occurred in 22 (39%) of 57 patients. Chi-square and logistic regression analyses showed no correlation between the severity of aortic stenosis and the 2-D echo variables: left ventricular wall thickness, left ventricular diastolic dimension, left ventricular systolic dimension, aortic root diameter, and left atrial dimension. We conclude that 2-D echo detects aortic leaflet calcification better than cineangiography. However, the severity of aortic stenosis determined by 2-D echo correlates poorly with the severity of aortic stenosis determined by cardiac catheterization.     

Doppler echocardiography versus cardiac catheterization in the evaluation of valvular heart disease: Do we have a gold standard?

Definitive evaluation of valvular heart disease is traditionally accomplished by cardiac catheterization. Recent advances in Doppler echocardiography allow noninvasive assessment of valvular heart disease with a high degree of accuracy compared to the cardiac catheterization gold standard. Doppler echocardiography may occasionally yield erroneous results due to technical difficulties in the performance of the study. A number of patient related and echo-machine related factors may also affect the Doppler measurements independent of the severity of the lesion. Thus, a discrepancy between Doppler and catheterization data is generally considered to be a failure of Doppler methods. However, catheterization data may also be flawed due to errors in the measurement of pressure and cardiac output, as well as the known shortcomings of qualitative angiography. The Gorlin equation itself suffers from several limitations, including the substitution of pressure gradient for velocity in the basic hydrodynamic equation, and the use of a constant which may not be appropriate in all circumstances. Therefore, when Doppler echocardiography and cardiac catheterization yield discordant results, both studies should be carefully reviewed and correlated with other clinical data in order to elucidate the sources of the discrepancy and ascertain the actual severity of the valvular lesion.     

Abnormal stress echocardiography findings in cardiac amyloidosis

Abstract

Background: Cardiac involvement in immunoglobulin light chain (amyloid light chain, AL) amyloidosis is characterized by myocardial interstitial deposition but can also cause obstructive deposits in the coronary microvasculature.

Methods: We retrospectively identified 20 patients who underwent stress echocardiography within 1 year prior to the histologic diagnosis of AL amyloidosis. Only patients with cardiac amyloidosis and no known obstructive coronary disease were included.

Results: Stress echocardiograms (13 exercise; 7 dobutamine) were performed for evaluation of dyspnea and/or chest pain. Stress-induced wall motion abnormalities (WMAs) occurred in 11 patients (55%), 4 of whom had normal left ventricular wall thickness. Coronary angiogram was performed in 9 of 11 patients and demonstrated no or mild epicardial coronary artery disease. Seven (54%) patients had an abnormal exercise blood pressure which occurred with similar likelihood between those with and without stress-induced WMAs.

Conclusions: Stress-induced WMAs and abnormal exercise blood pressure may occur in patients with cardiac AL amyloidosis despite the absence of significant epicardial coronary artery disease. This finding should raise the possibility of cardiac amyloidosis even in the absence of significant myocardial thickening.