hydatid cyst of the heart a report of 5 cases

5 cases of hydatid cysts of the heart underwent successful enucleation or removal of the cysts with the aid of cardiopulmonary bypass are being reported. their location, signs, symptoms, diagnostic procedures and consequences are being discussed. clinical, radiologic, electrocardiographic and coronary angiographic findings all confirmed the diagnosis. ah the patients had uneventful postoperative course and had been foliowed-up regularly. cardiac hydatid cyst is seen infrequently, even in the endemic regions. the incidence rate is 0.3 to 2 percent of all hydatid cyst patients, thus it is not a matter of routine cardiac surgery practice.