Imaging of pericardial tumours: a case report.
BACKGROUND
Pericardial tumours are unusual and may be difficult to characterise with imaging. They manifest as large, non-contractile, solid masses within the pericardium. Presenting symptoms include heart failure, arrythmias, sudden death, cyanosis and chest pain.


METHODS
We describe a case of massive pericardial fibroma in a 52 year old woman, who presented with palpitations only.


CONCLUSIONS
We illustrate the different imaging modalities available to image this tumour prior to surgical resection, and indicate the strengths and weaknesses of each.
Tilling
Lindsey
L
The John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, UK. lindseytilling@hotmail.com
Hudsmith
Lucy
L
Goldman
Jonathan
J
Becher
Harald
H
D004452:Echocardiography; D005260:Female; D006338:Heart Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D007089:Image Enhancement / Q000379:methods*; D008875:Middle Aged; D010492:Pericardiectomy; D010496:Pericardium / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000601:surgery*; D016896:Treatment Outcome