Fibrous Pericardial Mass Signifying the Importance of Advanced Cardiovascular Imaging: A Case Report

Abstract

Background

Pericardial masses are an extremely rare group of diseases which can be classified based on etiology. The presentation of pericardial masses varies considerably from one individual to another, ranging from an asymptomatic presentation with an incidental finding on imaging, to presenting with non-specific signs and symptoms. Due to the enigmatic nature and presentation of pericardial masses, diagnostic imaging is mandatory.

Case Presentation

A 69-year-old patient presented to our cardiology clinic complaining of intermittent shortness of breath upon moderate exertion in the absence of chest pain, paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea, orthopnea, dizziness, palpitations, or lower limb edema. The patient’s past medical history was significant because of his history of pericarditis associated with pericardial effusion 6 years prior to presentation at our clinic. Despite adequate medical treatment, the patient complained of a relapsing and remitting pattern of symptoms that mandated the performance of advanced cardiovascular imaging, namely, cardiac magnetic resonance imaging, which revealed the presence of a profound pericardial mass.

Conclusion

Despite the fact that relapsing pericarditis is a well-established complication following acute pericarditis, the presentation of a complication such as a fibrous pericardial mass evident on cardiac MRI has essentially been unreported in the literature previously.

Keywords:

• pericardial mass
• cardiovascular imaging
• cardiac magnetic resonance imaging

Statement of Ethics and Informed Consent

Written informed consent was obtained from the patient, including for the publication of the paper and its content. Institutional approval was not required for the publication of this work.

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to express their utmost gratitude for the patient in their involvement in this scientific work.

Disclosure

The authors report no conflicts of interest in this work.