Metastatic Carcinoma of the Pericardium

Abstract

1) Malignancy of the pericardium is uncommon. It is usually asymptomatic, and part of a generalized dissemination. Associated symptoms are usually ascribed to the primary malignancy itself. 2) A case of constrictive pericarditis due to metastatic bronchogenic carcinoma has been presented in detail. 3) A case of sanguineous pericardial effusion due to malignancy has been noted. 4) The necropsy incidence of pericardial involvement by tumor has been listed and the lesions discussed. 5) Several recognizable syndromes can occur. 6) In the presence of known suspected malignancy, the picture of right heart failure should always stimulate search for evidence of pericardial effusion or constriction. These need not be confused with the striking clinical picture seen with lymphangitic cancer of the lungs and subacute cor pulmonale. The occurrence of arrhythmias should suggest epicardial involvement. Because of the frequency of bronchogenic and breast carcinoma and their high incidence of pericardial involvement, special attention should always be given in these cases to the pericardium. Hemorrhagic pericardial effusion should be considered neoplastic until proved otherwise.