Congenital absence of the pericardium

37-year-old man with chest pain had a non-palpable apical impulse.

Congenital absence of the pericardium.

Circulation.2001;104:1447

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38-year-old woman who was unable to bear down during pregnancy experienced chest pain when sleeping on her side.

Congenital complete absence of the pericardium.

Circulation.2001;103:3154

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Congenital absence of the left pericardium.

Lancet.2002;360:2038

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Edited by Donald L Vine MD