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Pericardial Cysts: a Contemporary Comprehensive Review

  • Pericardial Disease (AL Klein and CL Jellis, Section Editors)
  • Published:
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Abstract

Purpose of Review

This is an in-depth review on the etiology, clinical manifestation, differential diagnosis, diagnostic modalities, complications, and management of pericardial cysts (PCs).

Recent Findings

PCs are the third most common type of mediastinal masses and are usually identified incidentally by chest x-ray (CXR) or transthoracic echocardiography (TTE). Although most PCs are asymptomatic, they might lead to serious complications such as cardiac tamponade. Diagnosis is confirmed by cardiac computed tomography or cardiac magnetic resonance. Cysts need to be followed by imaging every 1 to 2 years; however, a recent report suggested less frequent follow-up. Most cases resolve spontaneously, but if needed, aspiration or surgical resection can be done.

Summary

PCs are rare entities and are usually detected incidentally after CXR or TTE. Providers should be aware of this condition since it could potentially lead to serious complications.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Internal Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA

    Mohamed Khayata

  2. Center for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Pericardial Disease, Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Heart and Vascular Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA

    Saqer Alkharabsheh, Nishant P. Shah & Allan L. Klein

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  1. Mohamed Khayata
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Correspondence to Allan L. Klein.

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Conflict of Interest

Allan L. Klein has received research grant support from Kiniksa, advisory board SOBI. Mohamed Khayata, Saqer Alkharabsheh, and Nishant P. Shah declare that they have no conflict of interest.

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Khayata, M., Alkharabsheh, S., Shah, N.P. et al. Pericardial Cysts: a Contemporary Comprehensive Review. Curr Cardiol Rep 21, 64 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11886-019-1153-5

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