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.
Division of Cardiac Anesthesia, Miami Heart Institute, Miami Beach, Florida, USA. IntMedCo@aol.com
Edward
E
Gologorsky
Angela
A
Gologorsky
David L
DL
Galbut
Abraham
A
Wolfenson
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