Congenital Absence of the Pericardium

Congenital absence of the pericardium (CAP) is one of the most rare cardiac congenital anomalies. It can occur as a complete absence of the entire pericardium, absence of the right or left portion of the pericardium or a partial, foramen-like defect of the right or left pericardium. While the majority of cases are clinically silent, multiple reports associate CAP with symptomatic presentation. The most feared complication of CAP is sudden death due to cardiac strangulation across a partial defect of the left pericardium.
Source: Progress in Cardiovascular Diseases - Category: Cardiology Authors: Source Type: research