Intrapericardial teratoma is a germ-cell tumor that typically arises from the base of the heart. This rare cardiac tumour is the second most common tumor diagnosed in fetuses and newborn. Although benign, it can be massive in size causing direct compression on the heart and associated with significant pericardial effusion resulting life-threatening complications such as cardiac tamponade, heart failure, foetal hydrops, and sudden death. Early antenatal diagnosis and surgical intervention improve the survival. We present a case of immature intrapericardial teratoma diagnosed at 25 weeks of gestation but required multiple foetal pericardiocentesis and premature delivery due to massive pericardial effusion. The importance of multidisciplinary team approach to ensure successful management was highlighted in this case report.
A 72-year-old Chinese man presented with mild symptoms of heart failure. Transthoracic echocardiography showed signs of cardiac tamponade though clinically he was relatively well. The option of pericardiocentesis was not carried out due to a narrow window for aspiration with only a thin layer of effusion seen surrounding the apex and right ventricle on subcostal view.Pericardial window was done via a left anterolateral thoracotomy. Intraoperatively, 500 cm3 of purulent fluid was drained. Microbiology screens were all negative. We present the atypical clinical course of this elderly man presenting with a large pyopericardium.
Type IIIa mitral regurgitation (MR) due to rheumatic leaflet restriction often renders valve repair challenging and may predict a less successful repair. However, the utilization of leaflet mobilization and extension with the pericardium to increase the surface of coaptation may achieve satisfactory results. We reviewed our experience with leaflet extension in rheumatic mitral repair with emphasis on the technique and mid-term results.