Abstract
A case report of a patient presenting in cardiac tamponade that was subsequently diagnosed as being secondary to malignancy of unknown primary. The patient was treated by urgent pericardiocentesis, followed by subsequent formation of a subxiphoid pericardial window. He was discharged home and given palliative chemotherapy. Malignant pericardial effusions are common, but it is rare for a patient to present in cardiac tamponade as the presenting feature of an unidentified malignancy. The causes, diagnosis and treatment of cardiac tamponade are discussed.
Highlights
ECG showed a sinus tachycardia at 120 bpm and low voltage complexes (Figure 1) Chest x-ray demonstrated a large globular heart
A case report of a patient presenting in cardiac tamponade that was subsequently diagnosed as being secondary to malignancy of unknown primary
An urgent pericardiocentesis was performed and a drain was inserted under fluoroscopic guidance. 300 ml of bloodstained fluid was aspirated, and imaging confirmed a reduction in the effusion size to less than 20 mm (Figure 3)
Summary
ECG showed a sinus tachycardia at 120 bpm and low voltage complexes (Figure 1) Chest x-ray demonstrated a large globular heart. Abstract A case report of a patient presenting in cardiac tamponade that was subsequently diagnosed as being secondary to malignancy of unknown primary. The patient was treated by urgent pericardiocentesis, followed by subsequent formation of a subxiphoid pericardial window.
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