PET-CT diagnosis of cardiac cavernous hemangioma with large pericardial effusion.

INTRODUCTION AND CASE REPORT

A 44-year-old patient was admitted because of chest pain and pressure. The echocardiography revealed pericardial effusion. The symptoms improved after pericardiocentesis and diuretics. Shortly, the patient was re-admitted because shortness of breath. The echocardiography showed an area of dark liquid measuring 15 × 3 mm; however, the chest enhanced CTA and coronary CTA scans did not corroborate this finding. Subsequently, PET-CT scan was done and indicated potential malignancy with pericardial thickening. The patient was transferred to the Cardiac Surgery Department and underwent an open chest surgery. The operation and subsequent pathology exam identified right atrial cavernous hemangioma.

CONCLUSIONS

This case report highlights the importance of PET-CT scan in the diagnosis of suspected cardiac tumors, specifically, hemangiomas.