Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Video-Assisted Thoracoscopy Facilitate the Comprehensive Management of a Large Pericardial Cyst.

BACKGROUND

Pericardial cysts are rare benign mediastinal masses and are often incidental findings on chest imaging. However, patients may present with symptoms that warrant surgical resection.

CASE SUMMARY: A 47-year-old man presented with progressive dyspnea, cough, and chest tightness. Chest computed tomography revealed a 2.6 × 7.0 × 5.5-cm pericardial cyst anterior to the apical right ventricle. He underwent successful resection using video-assisted thoracoscopy. He recovered well, was discharged on postoperative day 2, and symptoms had fully resolved at his 3-week follow-up visit.

DISCUSSION: This case highlights a safe and effective minimally invasive management option for pericardial cysts. Facilitated by thorough preoperative cardiological and radiological workup, video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery facilitates complete resection with rapid postoperative recovery.

TAKE-HOME MESSAGES: Pericardial cysts should be included in differential diagnoses for chronic cough and can easily be identified on computed tomography/magnetic resonance imaging. Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery offers a safe, cost-effective, and reliable method of resection.