Abstract 17356: Recurrent Hemorrhagic Pericardial Effusion Requiring a Multimodality Imaging Approach: A Case Report

Abstract

Background: A 24-year-old female with no medical history presented to the ED with chest pain and dyspnea. Vitals were notable for tachycardia to 120s. Physical examination was unremarkable. Clinical Course: Initial evaluation was notable for thrombocytopenia, NT-proBNP of 151 and high sensitivity troponin T of 18. Transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) revealed a small pericardial effusion with tamponade physiology prompting urgent pericardiocentesis. Bloody pericardial fluid was drained and fluid studies were consistent with hemorrhagic effusion with no evidence of infection or malignancy on cytology. Surveillance TTEs showed rapid reaccumulation of pericardial fluid within 72 hours of the initial intervention. Urgent pericardial window with drain placement was performed and intraoperative transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) revealed a right atrial (RA) mass not detected on prior TTE. Cardiac MRI confirmed the presence of a large (50 mm x 31 mm) immobile and heterogeneous mass in the superior aspect of the RA suggestive of a malignant etiology with invasion to the adjacent pericardium. Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scan demonstrated hypermetabolic activity concerning for malignancy with no evidence of mediastinal, hilar adenopathy, or distant disease. She underwent mini-sternotomy and biopsy with pathology suggestive of primary cardiac angiosarcoma. Due to the high-risk nature and location of the tumor, she was unable to undergo primary surgical resection. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy was initiated with plan for subsequent surgical reassessment. Conclusion: Workup of recurrent hemorrhagic pericardial effusions require a multimodal imaging approach.