Echocardiographic features in a case of intrapericardial teratoma

An infant presented with symptoms of congestive heart failure. Ultrasound examination revealed a dense layer of echoes at the root of the aorta, a large anterior pericardial effusion, and coarse fluttering of the right ventricular wall. The clinical diagnosis of intrapericardial teratoma was confirmed by cineangiography and surgical resection. The pathological examination was consistent with benign teratoma. A postoperative ultrasound examination revealed absence of pericardial effusion and tumor echoes. This appears to be the first echocardiographic report of a pericardial tumor in an infant.