Cardiac hemangioma producing pericardial effusion detected on thoracoscopic pericardial fenestration.

A 76-year-old woman presented with dyspnea. Computed tomography showed massive pericardial effusion, so percutaneous catheter drainage was performed. The usual causes of exudate were ruled out, and no diagnosis was reached. Thoracoscopic pericardial fenestration was performed for the purpose of pericardial biopsy and to create a passage allowing longer-term drainage. We observed the pericardial cavity after removing effusion, and incidentally revealed a tumor measuring 2 cm in diameter located between the left atrial appendage and left pulmonary artery. Surgical resection of the tumor attached to the left atrial appendage was performed. The pathological diagnosis was hemangioma.