Pericardial cyst

A pericardial cyst is a benign, fluid-filled sac that occurs in the pericardium, the membranous sac surrounding the heart.

These cysts are typically congenital, meaning they are present at birth, but they may not be detected until later in life.

They are generally asymptomatic and are often discovered incidentally during imaging studies for other conditions.

In rare cases, a pericardial cyst can cause symptoms such as chest pain, cough, or difficulty breathing, usually due to compression of adjacent structures.

The cysts are most often located in the right cardiophrenic angle, where the heart and diaphragm meet.

The exact cause of pericardial cysts is not well understood, but they are believed to arise from abnormalities in embryonic development of the pericardium.

Diagnosis is typically made using imaging techniques such as an echocardiogram, CT (computed tomography), or MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), which can help distinguish these cysts from other types of masses or abnormalities in the chest region.

Management of pericardial cysts depends on the presence of symptoms.

Asymptomatic cysts often require no treatment and are simply monitored over time.

If a cyst becomes symptomatic or causes complications, options may include aspiration (draining the fluid), surgical removal, or percutaneous intervention.

Overall, pericardial cysts are rare and generally carry a good prognosis with proper monitoring and treatment when necessary.