Multiple pulmonary and multivesicular interatrial septum hydatid cysts in a native italian patient

Multivesicular, pulmonary and cardiac hydatidosis are rarely observed and can give rise to serious complications. Cysts can remain asymptomatic for a long time, until they reveal themselves perforating into cardiac chambers and/or pulmonary arteries or the systemic circulation. A rare case of multivesicular interatrial septum hydatid cyst with multiple pulmonary involvement in a native Italian farm labourer is reported. Clinical, radiological, serological and histological findings are described. MR imaging showed the exact anatomic location and the multivesicular nature of the cardiac cyst and was useful in planning surgical treatment. A successful outcome was achieved with a combination of pre- and post-operative albendazole therapy and a three-step surgery procedure. The patient made a rapid recovery and his post-operative period was totally uneventful. This case highlights the importance of an early multidisciplinary surgical approach and long-term chemotherapy treatment of this serious and rare disease. MR Imaging was crucial in the pre-surgical and follow-up observations.