Acute pulmonary embolism due to the rupture of a right ventricle hydatic cyst

Hydatid pulmonary embolism is an uncommon condition resulting from the rupture of a hydatid heart cyst or the opening of a visceral hydatid cyst (often in the liver) into the venous circulation. We report a case of hydatid pulmonary embolism following rupture of a hydatic cyst in the right ventricle. Pulmonary angiography showed right pulmonary occlusion. Echocardiography, computed tomography scan and magnetic resonance imaging showed images suggesting a hydatid cyst. The patient underwent sternotomy and cardiopulmonary bypass in order to treat the heart cyst and remove the hydatic pulmonary obstruction. A concomitant lung hydatid cyst was extirpated. (C) 2002 Published by Elsevier Science B.V.