Left atrial compression by a pericardial hematoma presenting as an obstructing intracavitary mass: a difficult differential diagnosis.
The differential diagnosis of extracavitary, intramural and intracavitary disease may be difficult. An extrinsic compression of the left atrium by a dissecting pericardial hematoma was misdiagnosed as an intracavitary mass, by echocadiography and computer tomography. This case emphasizes the importance of patient history and clinical setting.
Gologorsky
Edward
E
Division of Cardiac Anesthesia, Miami Heart Institute, Miami Beach, Florida, USA. IntMedCo@aol.com
Gologorsky
Angela
A
Galbut
David L
DL
Wolfenson
Abraham
A
D000368:Aged; D015906:Angioplasty, Balloon, Coronary; D016279:Atrial Function, Left / Q000502:physiology*; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D017548:Echocardiography, Transesophageal; D017809:Fatal Outcome; D006325:Heart Atria / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D006406:Hematoma / Q000150:complications* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010496:Pericardium / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000628:therapy