Visceral pericardial hemangioma: unusual location for a rare cardiac tumor

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Cardiac Surgery
• Oncology

Background:

• Benign cardiac tumors are rare, with hemangiomas constituting 2-5% of these cases.
• Cardiac hemangiomas typically arise from the ventricles, atria, or valves.
• Pericardial or epicardial origin of cardiac hemangiomas is exceptionally uncommon.

Observation:

• A 41-year-old male presented with chest pain and an abnormal stress treadmill test.
• Coronary angiography identified a posterior cardiac mass, further characterized by echocardiography and MRI.
• Imaging revealed a 4.6 x 3.0 cm smooth-surfaced mass in the inferoposterior atrioventricular groove with internal vascularity.

Findings:

• Surgical excision of the pericardial mass was performed.
• Pathologic examination confirmed the diagnosis of hemangioma.
• The tumor did not invade adjacent cardiac structures or cause pericardial effusion.

Implications:

• This case highlights an extremely rare location for a benign cardiac tumor.
• It underscores the importance of comprehensive imaging in diagnosing cardiac masses.
• Successful surgical management of pericardial hemangiomas is feasible.