Most cases of pericarditis occur following spread from an adjacent focus in the liver.
Percarditis:
(1) pericardial effusion, which may be purulent
(2) cardiac tamponade
(3) ECG changes of pericarditis
Myocarditis:
(1) syncope
(2) cardiac arrhythmias and other ECG changes, including ST segment elevations
(3) acute myocardial infarction
(4) sudden cardiac death
(5) pulmonary hypertension
(6) elevated serum troponin
(7) heart failure
Imaging studies (echocardiography, CT, MRI) can be very helpful in detecting hydatid cysts in the pericardium and heart.
Detection of serum antibodies or antigen in body fluids may be helpful if positive, but false negative results can occur.
Differential diagnosis:
(1) amebiasis
(2) atrial or ventricular thrombus
(3) acute myocardial infarction unrelated to the hydatid disease
(4) tuberculosis
