Agenesis of the left pericardium. Apropos of 3 anatomo-surgical observations
Leguerrier, A.; Milon, J.; Milon, D.; Marcade, E.; Logeais, Y.; Rioux, C.; Lanchou, G.
Bulletin de l'Association des Anatomistes 63(183): 479-488
1979
ISSN/ISBN: 0376-6160 PMID: 553678 Document Number: 145511
After a short review of the history and the frequency of this malformation, the authors report three cases of pericardial defect: two cases of partial defect, and a case of complete absence (these three patients have been operated); these observations allow the authors to insist on the difference between the complete absence (often very well tolerated) and the partial defect, which exposes to left atrial appendage's incarceration (and sometimes sudden death). The classification based on the extension of the lesions is then considered, and the usual aspect of each type is described. The embryologic findings can explain the higher frequency of left pericardial defects.