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. CASE PRESENTATION We describe a case of massive pericardial fibroma in a 52 year old woman, who presented with palpitations only. CONCLUSION We illustrate the different imaging modalities available to image this tumour prior to surgical resection, and indicate the strengths and weaknesses of each.