Pericardial tumors

Abstract

Pericardial tumors are rare. A majority of the reported cases are metastatic in nature and indicate a poor prognosis. Primary tumors of the pericardium are extremely rare and occur in a broad age range. This review describes several of the more common lesions: germ cell tumors, solitary fibroma, pericardial mesothelioma, and metastatic disease.

Primary malignant pericardial mesothelioma - a rare cause of pericardial effusion and consecutive constrictive pericarditis: a case report

“…However, there has not yet been any definite proven association between asbestos exposure and pericardial disease [2,8]-[10]. Interestingly, our patient had a history of asbestos exposure at work (she worked in a school building).…”

“…The majority of reported pericardial tumors are metastatic in nature and indicate a poor prognosis. Primary tumors of the pericardium are extremely rare, and PMPM is a very rare pericardial tumor of unknown etiology [8]-[10]. So far, about 350 cases have been reported in the literature, and in an epidemiological survey, the annual incidence of PMPM was reported to be one in 40 million (incidence 0.0022%).…”

“…The prognosis of this disease remains extremely poor due to its late presentation, inability of complete tumor eradication by surgery and the poor response of PMPM to radiotherapy or chemotherapy. A median survival time from the onset of symptoms is six months [8]-[10]. Recently, newer chemotherapeutic regimens after complete excision of the tumor have shown prolonged survival times [2]-[5].…”

Pericardial Masses, Cysts and Diverticula: A Comprehensive Review Using Multimodality Imaging

“…[7][8][9] Tumors in the pericardium can additionally be divided into primary or metastatic in origin. Metastatic tumors of the pericardium are more common than primary tumors, with estimated incidence from autopsy studies ranging widely from 20 to 1000 times more likely.…”

“…Metastatic tumors of the pericardium are more common than primary tumors, with estimated incidence from autopsy studies ranging widely from 20 to 1000 times more likely. [8][9][10][11] Due to the rarity of these tumors, initial data were in the form of case reports and more recently as larger case series. Presentation is variable and often patients may be asymptomatic with pericardial involvement initially only detected at time of autopsy or on cross-sectional imaging in the current era.…”