[Sudden death caused by an arterial hydatid embolism]

Abstract

History: A 45-year-old woman from Turkey who had been living in Germany for 6 years, suddenly became short of breath, developed seizures and died within 2 minutes. There was no evidence of previous illness.

Investigations: At autopsy a large hydatid and many other hydatids of varying sizes were found inside the left heart. Rupture of one of the hydatid cysts in the left atrium had caused embolism to the arterial system. The cyst walls showed typical laminar cuticular structure. The sediments of the cyst fluid contained scolices of Echinococcus granulosus, but no antibodies were demonstrated by indirect haemagglutination.

Diagnosis and conclusion: This is a rare case of Echinococcus granulosus infection, limited to the heart, which had followed an asymptomatic course until sudden death caused by arterial embolism of the hydatids. Such diagnosis should be considered in case of sudden death of persons from areas in which the disease is endemic.