Complete congenital absence of the pericardium: An incidental finding

A 62-year-old male presented with generalized aches and pains accompanied by night sweats and weight loss. Clinical examination was unremarkable and the chest X-ray was reported as normal. Subsequent computed-tomography thorax and bone marrow aspirate diagnosed a diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. Prior to commencing chemotherapy, a routine echocardiography proved technically difficult and reported abnormal ventricular function. Following a cardiology review, a cardiovascular magnetic resonance scan was requested which demonstrated congenital absence of the pericardium and a normal ventricular function. The patient was asymptomatic and therefore continued on to chemotherapy treatment for the large B-cell lymphoma.