Pediatric cardiac hydatid cysts: a diagnostic odyssey: a rare case report.

Introduction: Hydatidosis, caused by the Echinococcus tapeworm, typically manifests with hepatic and pulmonary symptoms, but cardiac involvement, especially in pediatric cases, poses a rare challenge. This overview emphasizes the diagnostic complexities and potential complications associated with this uncommon parasitic disease. Case presentation: A 4-year-old child was presented with epigastric pain after an abdominal impact trauma. Clinical examination revealed tachycardia, fever, and pericardial effusion with an intramyocardial cyst. Hydatid serology confirmed the diagnosis, and subsequent imaging ruled out additional localizations. Treatment involved albendazole, pericardial drainage, and cyst removal, resulting in a favorable outcome. Discussion: Cardiac hydatid cysts, comprising only 0.5--2% of visceral cases, often occur in underdeveloped regions. The authors' case, affecting the right ventricle in a pediatric patient, contributes to the understanding of varied presentations. Diagnosis relies on echocardiography, computed tomography scans, and MRI, with surgery being the mainstay treatment. Symptomatic cases demand prompt intervention due to potential complications. Conclusion: This case underscores the intricate diagnostic journey and management challenges posed by cardiac hydatid cysts, particularly in pediatric populations. Collaboration between medical disciplines is crucial for timely diagnosis and effective treatment, emphasizing the importance of ongoing research in endemic regions.

A rare clinical case of systemic AA amyloidosis with cardiac involvement complicating ankylosing spondylitis: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a type of chronic inflammation that is most prevalent in young adults and is characterized by an inflammatory enthesiopathy that gradually develops toward ossification and ankylosis. If inflammation is left unchecked, it can potentially lead to complications such as secondary amyloidosis, also known as AA amyloidosis, involving the deposition of amyloid serum A protein. Our case presents with a thyroid localization of AA amyloidosis which is secondary to this AS. Such a case has been described in only four cases in the literature. Cardiac localization of AA amyloidosis has been exceptionally described in the literature. CASE PRESENTATION: We report the case of a young patient with severe AS complicated by secondary amyloidosis with thyroid, cardiac, and probably renal localization. He was treated with anti-TNF therapy, and his condition improved significantly. CONCLUSIONS: Our case presents several localizations of AA amyloidosis secondary to this AS. Although cardiac involvement is rare in secondary AA amyloidosis, it should always be screened for, even in a cardiacly asymptomatic patient.