Cardiac varix in relation to right atrial free wall presenting as a mass compressing the right atrium and mimicking a pericardial cyst

Ann Thorac Surg. 2004 Dec;78(6):e96-7. doi: 10.1016/j.athoracsur.2003.12.070.

Abstract

Cardiac varix is a rare entity. It is generally small and is in relation to the interatrial septum, often mistaken as cardiac myxoma. A 19-year-old girl, on evaluation of respiratory infection, was found to have a mass compressing the right atrium. Computed tomographic scan and magnetic resonance imaging suggested a differential diagnosis of pericardial cyst or hydatid cyst. Peroperatively, a large (8 x 6.5 x 5.5 cm) cystic lesion in relation to the right atrial free wall was found. The histopathology of the resected mass revealed it to be a cardiac varix. The case is notable for its large size and its location in relation to the right atrial free wall.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Coronary Vessels / pathology
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Female
  • Heart Atria / diagnostic imaging
  • Heart Atria / pathology
  • Heart Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Mediastinal Cyst / diagnosis*
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed
  • Varicose Veins / diagnosis*