Abstract.
We report a case of surgically retained pericardial sponge as a cause of paracardiac mass in a woman who had thoracotomy 3 weeks prior for replacement of mitral valve prosthesis. Computed tomography examination showed a thin-walled mass containing relatively high-density material in the central part with low-density rim at the periphery suggesting a haematoma with clot formation at first. Surgically removed mass was a retained sponge between right atrium and pericardium. Gossypiboma should be included in the differential diagnosis of an intrathoracic mass besides haematoma and abscess formation in any patient who has had previous thoracotomy.
Similar content being viewed by others
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Additional information
Received: 17 February 1998; Revision received: 1 July 1998; Accepted: 1 September 1998
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Coşkun, M., Boyvat, F. & Ağıldere, A. CT features of a pericardial gossypiboma. Eur Radiol 9, 728–730 (1999). https://doi.org/10.1007/s003300050743
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s003300050743