Pericardial cysts can be unilocular or multilocular and are composed of thin-walled mesothelial cells. The cysts contain serous or clear fluid. They originate from embryonic mesenchyme, where gaps form during pericardial development. These gaps normally merge to form the primitive pericardial cavity. If a gap fails to merge with others and does not connect to the pericardial cavity, it develops into a pericardial cyst. If the gap connects to the pericardial cavity, it is called a pericardial diverticulum.

bubble_chart Clinical Manifestations

Most patients have no subjective symptoms, while a few may experience chest tightness, chest pain, shortness of breath, cough, palpitations, and difficulty swallowing.

bubble_chart Auxiliary Examination

The chest X-ray shows a distinct shadow at the cardiophrenic angle, with noticeable changes in the shape and size of the shadow during deep breathing and positional changes. Ultrasound examination can confirm the presence of fluid within the cyst, which is helpful for diagnosis.

bubble_chart Diagnosis

The chest X-ray shows a distinct shadow at the cardiophrenic angle, with noticeable changes in the shape and size of the shadow upon deep breathing and changes in body position.

bubble_chart Treatment Measures

When a cyst presents symptoms of compression or infection, surgical removal is required.

bubble_chart Differentiation

The application of artificial pneumothorax can exclude pulmonary cysts.