[Giant Pericardial Cyst with Left Ventricular Compression on Echocardiography:Report of a Case]

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Thoracic Surgery
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Pericardial cysts are rare congenital anomalies, typically asymptomatic.
• Giant pericardial cysts can present with mass effect, leading to cardiac compression.
• Accurate diagnosis is crucial for appropriate management and to rule out other cardiac or mediastinal masses.

Observation:

• A 61-year-old male presented with chest tightness and an abnormal left lung field shadow on chest x-ray.
• Chest computed tomography (CT) revealed a large (16x7.5 cm) cystic mass adjacent to the heart and diaphragm.
• Echocardiography demonstrated significant compression of the left ventricle by the cystic mass.

Findings:

• Surgical resection via video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) was performed.
• The cyst contained serous fluid and was confirmed pathologically as a pericardial cyst.
• Postoperative recovery was uneventful, with complete cyst removal.

Implications:

• This case underscores the potential for large pericardial cysts to cause significant cardiac compression.
• VATS is a viable and effective minimally invasive surgical approach for the treatment of giant pericardial cysts.
• Early diagnosis and intervention can prevent serious cardiovascular complications.