Pericardial Masses, Cysts and Diverticula: A Comprehensive Review Using Multimodality Imaging

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Radiology
• Pathology

Background:

• Pericardial masses, cysts, and diverticula are uncommon conditions.
• Clinical presentation is variable, ranging from asymptomatic to non-specific symptoms mimicking other pericardial diseases.
• Early detection is often incidental, sometimes only at autopsy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the role of multi-modality imaging in diagnosing pericardial masses, tumors, cysts, and diverticula.
• To describe characteristic imaging findings for these rare pericardial conditions.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on pericardial masses, cysts, and diverticula.
• Emphasis on echocardiography and cross-sectional imaging modalities.
• Correlation of imaging findings with specific diagnoses.

Main Results:

• Imaging is essential for identifying and characterizing pericardial abnormalities.
• Specific imaging findings vary depending on the type of pericardial lesion.
• Echocardiography and cross-sectional imaging play key roles in diagnosis.

Conclusions:

• Multi-modality imaging is vital for the diagnosis of rare pericardial masses, tumors, cysts, and diverticula.
• Characteristic imaging findings aid in differentiating these conditions.
• Prompt diagnosis through imaging can guide appropriate patient management.