Pericardial Cysts: a Contemporary Comprehensive Review

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Thoracic Surgery
• Diagnostic Imaging

Background:

• Pericardial cysts (PCs) represent the third most frequent mediastinal mass.
• They are typically discovered incidentally via chest X-ray (CXR) or transthoracic echocardiography (TTE).

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a comprehensive review of pericardial cysts.
• Covering etiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis, complications, and management strategies.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of pericardial cysts.
• Analysis of diagnostic modalities including CT and MRI.
• Evaluation of management options: observation, aspiration, and resection.

Main Results:

• Most PCs are asymptomatic but can lead to severe complications like cardiac tamponade.
• Diagnosis is confirmed with cardiac computed tomography (CCT) or cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR).
• While spontaneous resolution occurs, follow-up imaging is recommended, with potential for aspiration or surgical intervention if necessary.

Conclusions:

• Pericardial cysts are rare but require clinical awareness due to potential serious complications.
• Prompt diagnosis and appropriate management are crucial for patient outcomes.