title: Cystic lesions of the pericardium. Review of the literature and classification.
abstract: Pericardial cystic lesions (PCLs) occur infrequently but are significant for their varying clinical presentation and pathological multitude. A review of the literature (including Medline and Current Contents database searches, and search of existing bibliographies) finds confusion in nomenclature and an absence of appropriate classification. A new classification system is proposed based on exo- or endophytic growth, presence of adhesions, and compression of myocardium or great vessels. A multitude of pathological entities with diverse pathogenesis, disease courses, and prognoses may present as PCLs. Detailed knowledge of lesion types and alternatives among diagnostic and therapeutic options permits a selective approach to patient management. The usefulness of a unified classification system should be evaluated in a substantial patient population, with detailed statistical analysis.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, University of Missouri-Columbia, 65212, USA.
authors.forename: J E
authors.initials: JE
authors.lastname: Losanoff
authors.forename: B W
authors.initials: BW
authors.lastname: Richman
authors.forename: J J
authors.initials: JJ
authors.lastname: Curtis
authors.forename: J W
authors.initials: JW
authors.lastname: Jones
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D008476:Mediastinal Cyst / Q000145:classification* / Q000175:diagnosis