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Case report. Pericardial hemangioma
B Brodwater1, J Erasmus, H P McAdams
1Department of Radiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA.
Insights
Pericardial hemangiomas are rare tumors, often found incidentally during autopsy. Imaging techniques like CT and MRI can help diagnose these growths and aid surgical planning.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Pathology
- Medical Imaging
- Surgical Oncology
Background:
- Hemangiomas are uncommon neoplasms affecting the heart and pericardium.
- Most pericardial hemangiomas originate from the visceral pericardium.
- These tumors are typically solitary, well-defined, and range from 1 to 13.5 cm.
Observation:
- Pericardial hemangiomas are frequently discovered incidentally at autopsy.
- The majority of these tumors are of the cavernous type.
- Diagnostic imaging reveals intense central contrast enhancement on CT scans.
Findings:
- High signal intensity on T2-weighted Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) images is characteristic.
- Combined CT and MRI findings aid in diagnosing pericardial hemangiomas.
- Imaging characteristics assist in preoperative surgical planning.
Implications:
- Early and accurate diagnosis of pericardial hemangiomas is crucial.
- Advanced imaging techniques improve diagnostic confidence.
- Preoperative planning based on imaging can optimize surgical outcomes for rare cardiac tumors.
Abstract:
Hemangiomas are rare cardiac and pericardial neoplasms, with the majority diagnosed incidentally at autopsy. Pericardial hemangiomas typically arise from visceral pericardium, and most are cavernous hemangiomas. They are usually solitary and well circumscribed and range in size from 1 to 13.5 cm. Intense central contrast enhancement on CT and high signal on T2-weighted images suggest the diagnosis and can assist in preoperative surgical planning.