Asymptomatic pericardial cyst: Observe or resect?

Abstract

Pericardial cysts are congenital lesions of the mediastinum that are usually detected using chest imaging in the absence of symptoms. Historically referred to as spring-water cysts due to their clear fluid content, the majority of published literature has suggested that surgical resection, traditionally via thoracotomy, be utilized only in symptomatic cases, with observation being sufficient for incidental, asymptomatic lesions. © 2007 Springer-Verlag London Limited.