Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 21, 2026

Implantation of Total Artificial Heart in Congenital Heart Disease
Published on: July 18, 2014
Congenital absence of pericardium: a nomad heart
Liliana Marta1, António M Ferreira1, Katya R Santos1
1Hospital da Luz,Lisbon,Portugal.
Insights
Congenital pericardial absence, a rare heart defect, is often asymptomatic but can lead to serious complications. Early diagnosis through imaging is crucial for managing this condition.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Medical Imaging
- Genetics
Background:
- Congenital pericardial absence is a rare cardiac anomaly.
- While often asymptomatic, it carries risks of severe complications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a case of congenital pericardial absence diagnosed in an asymptomatic individual.
- To highlight the importance of diagnostic imaging for this rare condition.
Main Methods:
- Case report of a 33-year-old woman.
- Diagnostic investigation prompted by family history of sudden cardiac death.
- Review of imaging modalities for diagnosis.
Main Results:
- Diagnosis of congenital absence of the pericardium confirmed.
- The patient was asymptomatic at the time of diagnosis.
Conclusions:
- Congenital pericardial absence requires clinical recognition despite asymptomatic presentation.
- Imaging plays a vital role in diagnosing this rare cardiac malformation.
Abstract:
Congenital pericardial absence is a rare cardiac defect. Although most patients are asymptomatic, recognising this condition is clinically important as it can cause serious complications. We report the case of an asymptomatic 33-year-old woman seeking medical attention due to a family history of sudden cardiac death. The investigation led us to the diagnosis of congenital absence of the pericardium. The role of imaging in the diagnosis of this rare cardiac malformation is briefly discussed.
Related Concept Videos
Pericarditis I: Introduction
Location and Orientation of the Heart
Development of the Heart
As the embryo undergoes lateral folding, these paired tubes approach each other, merging into a single primitive heart...
Cardiomyopathy III: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Pericarditis II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests
Rheumatic Heart Disease I: Introduction

