Recurrent Rupture of a Pericardial Cyst Presenting as Syncope, Pleuropericarditis, and Pneumonitis

INTRODUCTION: Pericardial cysts represent 6-7% of all mediastinal masses, with an estimated incidence of 1:100,000. They are benign, almost always congenital, may be unilocular or multilocular, with diameter from 1-5 cm. Though occasionally associated with symptoms related to compression of surrounding structures, pericardial cysts are usually asymptomatic and almost always diagnosed incidentally. In this case history report, we describe a patient with a pericardial cyst for whom presentation and course of illness were unusual.