Pericardial cyst

Pericardial cysts are cysts that occur near the pericardium. The most common site is the right palpital horn, but it also occurs higher and even extends to the upper mediastinum. It is generally believed that the reason for its formation is the appearance of interstitial spaces in the embryo when the pericardium occurs during the embryonic period. These gaps merge with each other into the original pericardial cavity. If a gap cannot be fused with other gaps and does not communicate with the pericardial cavity, it develops into a pericardial cyst. If the gap communicates with the pericardial cavity, it is called a pericardial diverticulum. Pericardial cysts are single or multilocular and consist of cystic thin-walled mesothelial cells. The capsule contains a serous or watery liquid. It is often attached to the outer wall of the pericardium and is a benign lesion, which rarely causes symptoms of compression.