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Pericardial Cyst, A Rare Incidental Finding in an Uncommon Location: A Case Report
Muhammad Atif Masood Noori1, Mahsa Mohammadian1, Hasham Saeed1
1Internal Medicine, RWJBarnabas Health/Trinitas Regional Medical Center, Elizabeth, USA.
Cureus
|July 21, 2022
Summary
This study highlights a rare left-sided pericardial cyst, an uncommon cause of mediastinal masses. Early diagnosis and monitoring are crucial for managing these incidental findings, even with nonspecific symptoms.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Thoracic Surgery
- Diagnostic Imaging
Background:
- Pericardial cysts are rare mediastinal masses, often congenital.
- Typically located in the cardiophrenic angles, predominantly the right side.
Observation:
- An incidental left-sided pericardial cyst was found in a patient with nonspecific chest tightness.
- The cyst measured 4.39 cm and was confirmed via CT scan and echocardiogram.
Findings:
- Left-sided pericardial cysts are uncommon, representing about 20% of cases.
- The patient's cyst showed no signs of complications such as cardiac tamponade or pericarditis.
Implications:
- Emphasizes investigating nonspecific symptoms for potential pericardial lesions.
- Management strategies for pericardial cysts vary based on symptoms, size, and compression.
- Highlights the importance of differentiating simple cysts from other pericardial pathologies.
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