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Updated: Aug 8, 2026

An Intact Pericardium Ischemic Rodent Model
Published on: September 2, 2021
Pseudotumor of the pericardium
B N Agarwala1, D G Ruschhaupt, M E Sand
1Department of Pediatrics, Wyler Children's Hospital, University of Chicago, MC 4051, 5841 South Maryland Avenue, Chicago, IL 60637, USA.
Insights
A rare case of cardiac tamponade in a child was caused by a pseudotumor of the pericardium, a form of coagulated pus. This condition mimics an intrapericardial tumor and should be considered in differential diagnoses.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Pathology
Background:
- Cardiac tamponade can present with symptoms mimicking intrapericardial tumors.
- Acute pericarditis can lead to the accumulation of unusual pericardial effusions.
Abstract:
A 2-year-old girl presented with signs and symptoms of cardiac tamponade preceded by upper respiratory tract infection. A two-dimensional echocardiogram was suggestive of an intrapericardiac tumor. Exploration of the pericardium revealed a large amount of dense amber-colored "coagulated material." Microscopic examination of the material and the pericardium was diagnostic of acute pericarditis. Based on this experience we propose the term pseudotumor of the pericardium for this form of coagulated pus. We also propose that this term should be added to the differential diagnosis of intrapericardiac tumor.
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