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Published on: August 8, 2025
Cardiac Hemangioma Producing Pericardial Effusion Detected on Thoracoscopic Pericardial Fenestration
Takuya Fujita1, Yo Kawaguchi1, Yoko Kataoka1
1Division of General Thoracic Surgery, Kohka Public Hospital, Kohka City, Shiga, Japan; Department of Thoracic Surgery, National University Corporation, Shiga University of Medical Science, Shiga, Japan.
Insights
A massive pericardial effusion in a 76-year-old woman was drained, leading to the incidental discovery of a cardiac tumor. Surgical resection confirmed the tumor as a hemangioma.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Thoracic Surgery
- Pathology
Background:
- A 76-year-old female patient presented with dyspnea.
- Computed tomography revealed a massive pericardial effusion, necessitating percutaneous catheter drainage.
- Initial investigations for common causes of exudative effusion were inconclusive.
Observation:
- Thoracoscopic pericardial fenestration was performed for biopsy and long-term drainage.
- An incidental finding during the procedure was a 2 cm tumor situated between the left atrial appendage and left pulmonary artery.
- The tumor was attached to the left atrial appendage.
Findings:
- The tumor was surgically resected.
- Pathologic examination diagnosed the tumor as a hemangioma.
Implications:
- This case highlights the importance of thorough examination during procedures for pericardial effusion.
- It demonstrates the successful diagnosis and treatment of an incidentally discovered cardiac tumor.
- Pericardial effusion management can lead to unexpected diagnostic opportunities for cardiac masses.
Abstract:
A 76-year-old woman presented with dyspnea. Computed tomography showed massive pericardial effusion, so percutaneous catheter drainage was performed. The usual causes of exudate were ruled out, and no diagnosis was reached. Thoracoscopic pericardial fenestration was performed to obtain a pericardial biopsy specimen and to create a passage allowing longer-term drainage. Observation of the pericardial cavity after the effusion was removed incidentally revealed a tumor measuring 2 cm in diameter located between the left atrial appendage and left pulmonary artery. Surgical resection of the tumor attached to the left atrial appendage was performed. The pathologic diagnosis was hemangioma.
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