ISOLATED MASSIVE PERICARDIAL EFFUSION AS A HARBINGER OF BREAST CANCER RECURRENCE

Abstract

Introduction: Malignant pericardial effusion with pleural effusion or lung involvement is not uncommon after breast cancer. It is a life-threatening disease if the patient presents with signs and symptoms of pericardial tamponade. Methodology: It’s a retrospective case report from a tertiary cancer center. Data were retrieved from the human information system of Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital and Research Centre. Case discussion: A twenty-one-year-old female with a right breast lump, which was found to be intraductal, grade III, triple-negative disease. The patient was offered chemotherapy first, later modified radical mastectomy was performed. Post-operative radiotherapy was given. After the completion of treatment, the patient presented in emergency with complaints of abdominal pain. Computed tomography scan was performed which showed pericardial effusion. Pericardiocentesis was performed and fluid was sent for cytology. It showed malignant effusion. She was drained twice with a gap of 20 days. The second time, she went into cardiac arrest and died. Conclusion: Isolated malignant pericardial effusion is a rare disease. Pericardiocentesis can be performed for the symptomatic relief of effusion. However, the chances of recurrence are there.