Imaging of an atypical pericardial cyst

Pericardial cysts are uncommon mediastinal lesions that are usually congenital in origin. Patients are usually asymptomatic and the cysts are generally discovered on routine radiography for unrelated purposes. This case illustrates a symptomatic presentation of a haemorrhagic pericardial cyst in which radiographic, echocardiographic and multislice (MRI and CT) imaging were performed. The imaging findings were not typical of pericardial cysts leading to a diagnostic quandary despite the varied imaging techniques. In conclusion, it is important to appreciate that the imaging findings of pericardial cysts can be varied. Radiologists and clinicians alike should be aware of this variability.