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[A case of pericardial diverticulum with changing size]
1Department of Thoracic Surgery, Tsuruoka City Shonai Hospital.
Kyobu Geka. the Japanese Journal of Thoracic Surgery
|July 1, 1991
Summary
A chest x-ray revealed a mediastinal mass in a woman, which changed in size over time. Surgical removal confirmed it was a pericardial diverticulum, a rare condition communicating with the pericardial cavity.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Thoracic Surgery
- Diagnostic Imaging
Background:
- Mediastinal masses can present diagnostic challenges.
- Pericardial diverticula are rare congenital anomalies of the pericardium.
Observation:
- A 39-year-old woman presented with a right upper mediastinal mass detected on chest x-ray.
- Serial chest x-rays over one month showed significant changes in the mass size.
- The dynamic changes suggested a connection between the mass and the pericardial cavity.
Findings:
- Surgical exploration and extirpation of the mediastinal mass were performed.
- Histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of a pericardial diverticulum.
Implications:
- This case highlights the importance of serial imaging in evaluating mediastinal masses with dynamic changes.
- Pericardial diverticulum should be considered in the differential diagnosis of mediastinal masses, especially those with suspected pericardial communication.
- Successful surgical management of pericardial diverticulum can be achieved.