A rare case of intra-pericardial teratoma presenting as a mediastinal mass in an infant

Abstract

Tumours of the heart are uncommon lesions, their estimated frequency ranges from 0.0017 to 0.33%.1 They are known to cause a variety of cardiac and systemic symptoms. Clinical symptoms depend on the size and the anatomic location. Small and benign neoplasms may have devastating clinical consequences if present in a critical location. Growth rate, friability and invasiveness are also important factors that determine both the clinical features and outcome. Intrapericardial teratoma is a rare congenital condition, it may be diagnosed in utero or soon after birth due to its association with massive pericardial effusion.2 We report a case of intrapericardial mature teratoma, which was detected in a 6-month-old male child presenting with respiratory distress due a mediastinal mass. The tumour was excised completely, and histopathological examination of the resected tumour was suggestive of mature teratoma. The patient was asymptomatic three months postoperatively.