Large Organized Intrapericardial Hematoma Presenting as a Case of Constrictive Pericarditis and Superior Vena Cava Syndrome

Abstract

Superior vena cava syndrome and constrictive pericarditis are rare complications of intrapericardial hematoma. We herein report a young patient presenting with a mass attached to the heart causing pressure on the right atrium and superior vena cava, and leading to superior vena cava syndrome and constrictive pericarditis. The exact pathogenesis was not determined but possibly was related to pericardiocentesis 29 years prior to presentation. Diagnosis was established at surgery and confirmed by histopathology. Resolution was partial because complete resection was not possible due to adherence of the mass to the right ventricular wall.