Intrapericardial teratoma: a continuing challenge

Intrapericardial teratoma is a rare entity that presents a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. The authors describe the case of an 18-month-old boy with this condition who was successfully managed by resection of the mass. Computerized axial tomography, radionuclide scanning and angiography are important aids in the preoperative assessment of intrapericardial masses. However, all are nonspecific. Definitive diagnosis can only be established by thoracotomy, resection and microscopic examination of the specimen. The long-term prognosis is good.