Pericardial mass in a patient with rheumatoid arthritis

A 65-year-old man presented with long-standing rheumatoid arthritis (RA), severe fatigue and mild arthritis of metacarpophalaneal joints. Physical examination revealed S3, II/IV decrescendo diastolic murmur and 2+ LL oedema. Anticyclic citrullinated peptide antibodies were >250 units. Echocardiogram showed an 8 cm pericardial mass with no atrial or ventricular collapse and mild to moderate aortic regurgitation. Cardiac MRI defined the mass as a heterogeneous entity attached to the right, anterior and inferior heart borders, with compression on right cardiac structures and the left ventricle. CT-guided biopsy demonstrated fibrinous material without granulomas or infection. Fatigue did not improve on immunosuppression with low-dose prednisone and leflunamide. Cardiac tamponade was confirmed by heart catheterisation and the mass was surgically excised with partial pericardiectomy. The patient had a dramatic improvement and, 4 years later, he remains asymptomatic cardiac wise. This case highlights the clinical significance of pericardial disease in RA and its response to therapy.