Should a Pericardial Cyst Be Removed?

Most happen to be found by medical checkup, and a roentgenogram shows a round homogeneous radiodense lesion at the cardiophrenic angle

, which is most likely to occur in the right cavity. In principle, a pericardial cyst only requires follow-up, however, growing cases or symptomatic cases require surgical removal.

How serious is a pericardial cyst?

Although rare, pericardial cysts can present with various clinical presentations and can range from asymptomatic to life-threatening in nature. This case is a unique presentation of a patient who presented with the development of a pericardial cyst with rapidly worsening symptoms that required resection with VATS.

When should a pericardial cyst be removed?

Surgical excision is indicated for symptomatic cysts or large asymptomatic cysts given that they are associated with an increased risk of complications [5]. Potential complications of pericardial cysts include compression of the heart, syncope, cardiac tamponade, bronchial compression, and sudden death [6–9].