Nonconstrictive epicarditis mimicking a cardiac mass in a 71-year-old Caucasian man: a case report and review of the literature
2009

Case of Epicarditis Mimicking a Cardiac Mass

publication Evidence: low

Author Information

Author(s): Asa M Margolis, Andrew B Emmerman, Mario Rascon, Saima I Chaudhry

Primary Institution: North Shore University Hospital

Hypothesis

Can asymptomatic epicarditis occur without constrictive physiology and present as a cardiac mass?

Conclusion

This case is the first reported instance of asymptomatic epicarditis presenting as an incidental cardiac mass.

Supporting Evidence

  • The patient had a history of atrial fibrillation and coronary artery disease.
  • Biopsy revealed epicarditis without parietal pericardium involvement.
  • The case highlights the importance of cardiac biopsy in diagnosing cardiac masses.

Takeaway

A 71-year-old man had a rare type of heart inflammation that looked like a tumor but wasn't, and he also had stomach cancer.

Methodology

The case was evaluated through various imaging techniques and a biopsy was performed to confirm the diagnosis.

Limitations

The study is based on a single case report, limiting generalizability.

Participant Demographics

71-year-old Caucasian male with a history of several health issues.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1752-1947-3-2

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