Alpha-feto-protein-(AFP-)-secreting intra-pericardial teratoma--report of a case diagnosed on CT scanning.

A three-month-old boy presented with acute tamponade and respiratory distress. Only CT scanning of the thorax suggested the presence of an intra-pericardial tumour compressing the heart and causing congestive cardiac failure. A large bilobed pedunculated tumour arising from the root of the ascending aorta was surgically excised. Initial serum AFP level was elevated. Histology revealed the tumour to be a teratoma with foci of yolk sac carcinoma. Alpha-feto-protein was demonstrable by immuno-histochemical staining in the yolk sac carcinoma component. The child remains well one year after removal of the mass.