Congenital heart defects of the pericardium

Abstract

Congenital defects of the pericardium are extremely rare conditions. They can involve completely or partial absence of pericardium, pericardial cysts. They can be further characterized by location: complete bilateral, left-sided or right-sided. Most of the patients are asymptomatic, may not be seen ECG changes. Echocardiographic examination directs us to the diagnosis. The gold standard for diagnose is a Magnetic resonance imaging. In rare cases, there are complications such as herniation through the defect, which can lead to life-threatening situations. Treatment is determined by size, nature and extent of the defect.