Congenital absence of pericardium: a nomad heart.

Abstract

Congenital pericardial absence is a rare cardiac defect. Although most patients are asymptomatic, recognising this condition is clinically important as it can cause serious complications. We report the case of an asymptomatic 33-year-old woman seeking medical attention due to a family history of sudden cardiac death. The investigation led us to the diagnosis of congenital absence of the pericardium. The role of imaging in the diagnosis of this rare cardiac malformation is briefly discussed.