Pericardial Tumors

Abstract

Pericardium is a structure in the connective tissue that surrounds the heart and has neighborhoods with vital structures. The majority of the tumors at the pericardiac region arise in the heart. The prevalence of pericardial tumor is very low and usually occurs secondary to the other malignancies. Pericardial cyst, teratoma and the mesothelioma are the most common primary tumors of the pericardium. Other primary pericardial tumors have been reported as case reports or case series. Patients usually present with atypical symptoms due to the compression of vital structures. Non-invasive tests (plain chest radiography, echocardiography) are used as the first step of the diagnosis. Due to their high resolution, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) are used often for evaluation of lesion characteristics and invasions. Cytological examination of pericardial effusion which occurs usually both in benign or malign lesions, is a guide in diagnosis. Surgery is required for most of the cases. The chance of treatment with chemotherapy and radiotherapy is limited in malignant lesions.