Recurrent Pericardial Effusion Research Articles

A Case Report of Video-assisted Thoracoscopic Pericardiectomy for Postpericardiotomy Recurrent Loculated Pericardial Effusion

Abstract Surgical drainage, particularly pericardiotomy, which has a low recurrence rate, can safely and efficiently treat symptomatic pericardial effusion in patients with cancer. A thoracoscopic video-assisted pericardiectomy is an effective treatment option for rare instances of recurrent localized pericardial effusion. A 63-year-old male presented with a rare form of recurrent pericardial effusion that was initially circumferential, but recurred in a loculated form. On the right side, a loculated pericardial effusion caused right ventricular dysfunction and lower leg edema. The patient’s clinical symptoms, especially severe pedal edema, improved significantly after video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery with pericardiectomy through the right chest wall. Infrequent instances of recurrent loculated pericardial effusion after pericardiotomy may manifest with atypical symptoms. In addition to echocardiography, chest computed tomography can be used to examine in great detail local lesions caused by postoperative pericardial adhesions or scarring. Video-assisted thoracic surgery improves visualization and effectively treats loculated pericardial effusion during pericardiectomy.

Small Left Ventricular Size Is a Risk Factor for Recurrent Pericardial Effusion after Percutaneous Drainage.

Background: Significant pericardial effusion requires percutaneous drainage. Some patients experience recurrent pericardial effusion following index drainage, but its risk factors remain unknown. Such knowledge should further improve the clinical management of individuals presenting with pericardial effusion for risk stratification and the construction of therapeutic and management strategies beforehand. Methods: Patients who underwent percutaneous drainage for pericardial effusion between 2018 and 2023 were retrospectively included and were followed for 2 years or until November 2023. Baseline factors associated with recurrent pericardial effusion that required percutaneous drainage again were investigated to identify the high-risk cohort. Results: A total of 39 patients (83 years on median, 28 males) were included. During the 2-year observation period, 11 patients had the primary outcome. The left ventricular end-diastolic diameter at baseline was independently associated with the primary outcome with an adjusted hazard ratio of 0.88 (95% confidence interval 0.80-0.97, p = 0.013) with a cutoff of 42 mm, which significantly stratified the cumulative incidence of the primary outcome (53% versus 10%, p = 0.011). Conclusions: Recurrent pericardial effusion after percutaneous drainage is not a rare phenomenon. A smaller left ventricular endo-diastolic diameter was an independent risk factor for recurrent pericardial effusion. The clinical implications of our findings in daily clinical practice should be validated in future prospective studies. Further studies are warranted to clarify the underlying causality between them.

Abstract 946: Landscape of HRD aberration in EGFR mutated lung cancer and the role of PARP-inhibitor in EGFR mutated lung cancer with HRD aberration

Abstract Introduction: Olaparib, an oral poly polymerase (PARP) inhibitor has received approval for treating malignancies displaying homologous recombination deficiency (HRD). Current data is insufficient in establishing the role of PARP inhibitors in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in the setting of third generation EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) use. Preclinical investigation suggests heightened PARP inhibitor sensitivity of TKI-resistant EGFR mutant NSCLC cells compared to TKI-sensitive cells. Methods: We utilized The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) to investigate the prevalence of HRD gene mutations in patients with NSCLC harboring EGFR mutations. We also present a case demonstrating a favorable response to the dual therapy of olaparib and osimertinib in NSCLC harboring EGFR, RAD50, and ARID1A mutations that progressed on osimertinib. Results: There were 2298 patients in the NSCLC cohort (MSKCC database). Among 687 patients with EGFR mutations, 24 patients (3.5%) exhibited ARID1A mutations, 8 patients (1.2%) had BRCA1 mutations, 11 patients (1.6%) had BRCA2 mutations, and 5 (0.7%) had RAD50 mutations. A 71-year-old female presented with stage IV adenocarcinoma of the lung. She had recurrent malignant pericardial effusion requiring pericardiocentesis for previous cardiac tamponade. Computed tomography (CT) of the chest revealed a 3cm irregular left hilar mass with bilateral mediastinal and hilar lymph nodes. Tissue next generation sequencing (NGS) at baseline identified EGFR exon19 deletion along with RAD50 R726H which is a HRD pathway gene. Circulating tumor DNA (ct-DNA) NGS (Guardant360) showed EGFR E746_A750del 4.8%. The patient achieved partial response to osimertinib for 28 months. Follow-up CT showed disease progression. Olaparib 200mg twice daily was added to osimertinib based on repeat ct-DNA NGS indicating a new ARID1A alteration (splice site SNV) along with the known BRCA1 mutation. Follow up scans currently have consistently demonstrated ongoing partial response for 19 months. Combining olaparib with osimertinib can be effective in an osimertinib-resistant NSCLC patient with EGFR mutation and HRD aberration. The favorable response could be attributed not only to pre-existing RAD50 mutation but also to acquired mutations in ARID1A HRD genes. Conclusion: HRD aberrations are uncommon in EGFR mutated lung cancer patients. Further investigation on the role of PARP inhibitor in EGFR mutated lung cancer is warranted. Citation Format: Jinah Kim, Horyun Choi, Liam Il-Young Chung, Young Kwang Chae. Landscape of HRD aberration in EGFR mutated lung cancer and the role of PARP-inhibitor in EGFR mutated lung cancer with HRD aberration [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 946.

A monster into the heart: an unusual presentation of cardiac leiomyosarcoma

BackgroundMalignant primary cardiac tumors are infrequent and can lead to an unfavorable prognosis if not identified and treated promptly. Early detection and prompt treatment of malignant primary cardiac tumors are crucial for a better prognosis. This article presents a case of primary cardiac leiomyosarcoma and reviews the literature on this topic.Case presentationFemale patient that developed recurrent pericardial effusion and hemodynamic instability caused by a cardiac tumor, later identified as leiomyosarcoma. Multidisciplinary treatment was administered to the patient.ConclusionsThe initial approach to this type of pathology should include multimodality imaging to establish a prompt diagnosis leading to complete standard treatment, to minimize risks to the patient's heart function which may include resection with complete margins of the neoplasm, otherwise the prognosis may be poor.

Primary pericardial angiosarcoma with pleural metastasis: an unusual clinical presentation

Abstract Introduction/Objective Primary pericardial angiosarcoma is an uncommon, aggressive cardiac neoplasm that arises from the endothelial cells of blood vessels. It typically affects middle-aged men and has a poor prognosis due to early metastasis. Unfortunately, there are currently no established guidelines or effective treatments for this rare malignancy. The purpose of this case study is to emphasize the significance of recognizing the unspecific presentations of pericardial angiosarcoma and ensuring timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Methods/Case Report A 56-year-old male presented with recurrent pericardial effusion and exudative pleural effusion. The radiologic studies showed a thickened pericardium with right-sided pericardial effusion and a large right- sided pleural effusion. Resected partial pericardium and parietal pleura showed the presence of epithelioid to spindled cells that formed solid sheets and vascular structures filled with numerous red blood cells. The tumor cells were cytologically malignant, with angulated shapes and hyperchromatic nuclei, and showed extensive invasion into the surrounding connective tissue. Mitotic figures were variably visualized, and there was abundant hemorrhage. Immunohistochemical analysis of the lesional cells showed positivity for ERG, CD31, Factor VIII, and retention of Methylthioadenosine phosphorylase (MTAP) and BRCA1-associated protein 1 (BAP1), while they were negative for WT1, calretinin, claudin-4, and p40. Based on the morphology and immunoprofile, a diagnosis of high grade angiosarcoma was rendered, and the patient underwent chemotherapy. The overall survival of the patient was 8 months to date. Results (if a Case Study enter NA) NA Conclusion Prompt diagnosis of pericardial angiosarcoma is crucial, as nonspecific symptoms may lead to misdiagnosis, such as in this case where the patient was initially diagnosed with pericarditis. Video-assisted thoracic surgery and histologic analysis are necessary to reach a correct diagnosis, which ensures appropriate treatment, as a delayed diagnosis can worsen the prognosis and even lead to death.

Clinical characteristics and risk factors of in-hospital mortality among patients undergoing percutaneous pericardiocentesis

Abstract Background Percutaneous pericardiocentesis (PP) belongs to life-saving procedures in cardiac tamponade, while it may also serve as diagnostic procedure in patients with recurrent pericardial effusion. Purpose The aim of the study was to evaluate the clinical characteristics and predictors of in-hospital mortality among patients subject to PP. Methods This single-center retrospective study comprised consecutive patients who underwent PP between 2011 and 2021 regardless of primary diagnosis. Among 132 456 patients screened, 208 patients were subject to PP [109 women, 52.4%; median age of 66 (58; 76) years] who underwent 231 procedures. Exclusion criteria involved data incompleteness regarding the etiology and outcome. The primary endpoint was in-hospital mortality. Results The most common indications for PP were neoplastic disease (23.1%), idiopathic effusion (14.42%), coronary artery perforation during percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI; 13.9%), viral pericarditis (11.1%), cardiac electronic device implantation (10.6%), catheter ablation (8.7%) and post-pericardiotomy syndrome (5.8%). Overall, iatrogenic cause was the most common indication for PP (41.8%). The median volume of pericardial fluid was 550 (330; 850) ml. In-hospital death was reported in 11 patients (5.3%). Univariate analysis revealed that in-hospital death was predicted by PCI-related etiology (p<0.0001), history of pulmonary embolism (p=0.007) and sudden cardiac arrest (p=0.032), lower pericardial drainage volume (p=0.037), right bundle branch block (p=0.007), cardiogenic shock (p=0.003), packed red blood cells transfusion (p=0.023). Logistic regression indicated that PCI-related etiology (OR 76.1, p<0.001), history of pulmonary embolism (OR 17.9, p=0.03) and recurrent/persistent cardiogenic shock in the course of in-hospital stay (OR 14.7, p=0.004) were independently associated with in-hospital mortality (AUC 0.895; Figure 1). Conclusion Iatrogenic etiology represents the most frequent indication for PP. PCI-related coronary perforation confers the greatest risk of in-hospital death.

Abstract 15265: Rilonacept for Refractory Pericarditis Following Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Therapy: A Case Report

Background: Immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI)-mediated cardiotoxicities are rare but potentially fatal. Myocarditis, with clinical presentations ranging from asymptomatic to cardiogenic shock, and pericarditis, have been reported in clinical trials and as post-marketing experience with immunotherapy. It is estimated to occur in less than 1% of individuals receiving single immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy, with a median time to onset of 30 days. Herein, we report a case of late-onset ICI-mediated myopericarditis presenting with cardiogenic shock, followed by recurrent pericarditis refractory to steroid taper. Case Presentation: A 44-year-old woman with triple-negative breast cancer underwent chemotherapy, immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy with Pembrolizumab, lumpectomy, and radiation therapy. After the treatment, the patient developed symptoms consistent with myopericarditis, complicated by pericardial effusion with tamponade and cardiogenic shock. The patient underwent emergent pericardiocentesis and, due to refractory shock, was initiated on high-dose steroid therapy with complete resolution. However, during the tapering of steroids, the patient experienced a recurrence of pericarditis, characterized by chest pain, recurrent pericardial effusion, and elevated inflammatory markers. NSAIDs and colchicine were initiated early in the management but failed to achieve symptom control. Given the refractory nature of the recurrent pericarditis, the decision was made to reintroduce prednisone therapy, which led to substantial symptomatic improvement. To avoid further flares with steroid taper, the patient was started on rilonacept. It led to sustained pain control, and steroids were successfully tapered. Conclusion: Pericarditis is a rare complication of pembrolizumab. There are no specific guidelines on the management of ICI-related recurrent pericarditis. Rilonacept was added due to the refractory nature of her symptoms with steroid taper. It led to sustained improvement in pain, and steroids were successfully tapered.

Abstract 13611: Right Ventricular Perforation and Subsequent Tamponade Due to Fractured Inferior Vena Cava Filter Strut

Description of Case: A 39-year-old woman with a remote history of unprovoked pulmonary embolism (PE) treated with a retrievable inferior vena cava (IVC) filter presented with chest pain and syncope. Initial vital signs and examination were unremarkable. ECG showed diffuse ST elevations with PR depression consistent with acute pericarditis (Figure 1A). Given her history, CT angiogram (CTA) was performed and revealed complex pericardial effusion without PE. Echocardiogram confirmed large pericardial effusion with evidence of right ventricular diastolic collapse, raising concern for impending cardiac tamponade (Figure 1B). Urgent pericardiocentesis yielded 500 mL of sanguineous fluid, with resolution of effusion. A pericardial drain was left in place. Overnight she became hypotensive, tachycardic, diaphoretic, with muffled heart sounds on exam. Rapid re-accumulation of blood was noted from the drain, confirmed by repeat echo showing enlargement of the pericardial effusion. She was diagnosed with recurrent hemorrhagic pericardial effusion (HPE) of unclear etiology and was emergently taken for mediastinal exploration, where a metal shard measuring 2.2 cm was seen protruding though the RV (Figure 1C), confirmed on intraoperative TEE (Figure 1D). It was determined that a fractured IVC filter strut had migrated into the RV causing perforation and recurrent HPE. The strut was removed and RV defect patched. The patient did well post-operatively without effusion recurrence. Follow up CTA confirmed fractured IVC filter strut, with another filter strut also seen extending through the IVC wall (Figure E). Discussion: Rapid reaccumulation of a hemorrhagic, hemodynamically significant pericardial effusion without clear etiology, as in this case, should prompt consideration of surgical exploration to assess for bleeding source. As strut fractures are a known complication of retrievable IVC filters, these filters should be removed when no longer indicated.

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

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.

Abstract 13315: Recurrent Cardiac Tamponade Due to Minoxidil Associated Drug Induced Lupus Erythematosus

Case description A 59 year old man with history of MGUS, CKD stage 2, DM, HTN, and OSA presented with gradual worsening of dyspnea and intermittent dizziness over the past few days. Echocardiography showed diastolic collapse of the RV, RA collapse, IVC plethora, marked tricuspid in-flow velocities, and pericardial effusion suggestive of cardiac tamponade (CT). Subxiphoid pericardial window was emergently performed. Serosanguineous fluid 900 mL was drained, and fluid analysis was negative for malignancy or infection. Pericardial biopsy revealed fibro-connective tissue with mild peri-vascular chronic inflammation. He significantly improved and was discharged after 5 days. One month later, he presented again with 1 day symptom of severe dyspnea due to recurrent pericardial effusion with CT physiology. Emergent pericardiocentesis was performed to remove 1,800 ml of serous fluid. Serologic workup for autoimmune disease was strongly positive for anti-histone antibody. ESR (124 mm/hr) and c-reactive protein (5.8 mg/dL) were elevated. Upon review of prescription list, he had been treated for HTN in the past 5 years with minoxidil, amlodipine, lisinopril, and carvedilol. Discussion The use of topical minoxidil, a potent peripheral arterial vasodilator, has been approved for androgenetic alopecia in both men and women for decades, whereas oral minoxidil is limited to refractory hypertension due to side effects such as reflex tachycardia, fluid retention, hypertrichosis, and, rarely, idiosyncratic pericardial effusion. Pericardial effusion was reported in approximately 3-5% of patients receiving minoxidil therapy, which could be attributed to volume overload associated with underlying renal insufficiency. Besides hydralazine, another direct arterial vasodilator commonly implicated in drug-induced lupus erythematosus (DILE), minoxidil also carries a trivial risk of DILE, as suggested by a positive anti-histone antibody and biopsy-proven serositis. Although the association between topical minoxidil and pericardial effusion has never been reported, receding hairline has become a major cosmetic concern and the clinicians should be aware of this rare, but serious, complication associated with minoxidil due to its widespread use.

Abstract 17358: Persistent Pericardial Effusion Secondary to Dasatinib Successfully Treated With Colchicine

Introduction: Dasatinib is one of the first-line therapies for CML. A large pericardial effusion requiring drainage has rarely been documented among its adverse effects, and its treatment is still a subject of study. Case Presentation: A 44-year-old female with history of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) in remission on Dasatinib for the past 10 years presented to the emergency with complaints of chest pain and palpitations for 3 weeks. Physical examination was remarkable for muffled heart sounds and tachycardia. No JVD, pulsus paradoxus, or hypotension were noted. A 12-lead EKG showed low voltage QRS in limb leads (A), and transthoracic echo (TTE) reported a moderate to large pericardial effusion with features concerning for early tamponade (B). A pericardiocentesis was performed with 500 mL of hemorrhagic fluid removed with a drain placed. Dasatinib was held but pericardial output remained elevated (>100 mL/day) for the following 12 days. Colchicine 0.6mg twice a day was then initiated. Cardiothoracic surgery recommended against a pericardial window. On day 15, the drain was able to be removed after a marked reduction in fluid output. Patient was discharged to complete 3 weeks of colchicine therapy. Two weeks later, the patient remained asymptomatic with no signs of recurrent pericardial effusion on a repeat TTE. Discussion: Dasatinib is associated with a range of reported side effects including development of pericardial effusions in a limited number of cases. Nonetheless, there is a dearth of information regarding their optimal treatment approach. Our case highlights the use of colchicine as a potential strategy for patients with persistent Dasatinib-related pericardial effusions.

Abstract 16763: Complete Heart Block as a Complication of Diffuse Large B Cell Lymphoma

Abbreviations: DLBCL (diffuse large B cell lymphoma), CHOP (cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone). Description of case We present the case of a 78-year-old female who presented initially with a right neck mass, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and recurrent pericardial effusions requiring pericardial window procedure. Biopsy of the neck mass demonstrated a DLBCL. Involvement of a right atrial mass attached to the septum in close relation to the tricuspid valve was seen on TEE. Metastatic disease to the lungs and liver was demonstrated on CT chest and abdomen respectively. The patient posteriorly developed symptomatic bradycardia that on electrocardiogram and telemetry monitoring was shown to be due to a complete heart block with junctional and ventricular escape beats with a rate of 30-40 beats per minute. Due to the anatomical characteristics of the right atrial mass, placement of a right ventricle leadless pacemaker (micra) was decided. The patient was started on mini-CHOP chemotherapy shortly afterwards. Discussion Primary cardiac lymphomas are a rare presentation accounting for less than 1% of all cardiac malignancies. Although rare, secondary involvement of the heart is more frequent than primary involvement and represents 20-25% of the cases. From all the broad subtypes of lymphomas, DLBCL is the most commonly found to affect the cardiac system, often being represented by alterations in the conduction system and causing congestive heart failure. The exact mechanism of the conduction abnormalities in the setting of cardiac lymphoma has not yet been well elucidated but is presumed to be either caused by an infiltration of the conduction system, direct mass burden effect, or a combination of both. It has been seen in similar cases that initiation of chemotherapy can help decrease the pacing requirements or even resolve completely the conduction abnormalities. In a few cases, permanent pacing is required. Metastatic disease to the heart is a marker for poor outcome and median survival with therapy after diagnosis is between 7 to 18 months.

SAT325 Recurrent Pericardial Effusion As Initial Presentation Of Primary Adrenal Insufficiency

Abstract Disclosure: S. Ward: None. A.L. Champion: None. A. Mrkaic: None. Recurrent Pericardial Effusion as Initial Presentation of Primary Adrenal Insufficiency: Background: Primary adrenal insufficiency (PAI) is a rare but serious endocrinopathy. High clinical suspicion is important to avoid delay in diagnosis and treatment. We present a rare case of recurrent pericardial effusion as initial presentation. Clinical Case: 63 year old male with hypertension and diabetes presented to ED complaining of SOB and chest pain. Workup revealed pericardial effusion causing cardiac tamponade treated with emergent pericardiocentesis. He was admitted to ICU for hypotension. He was also diagnosed with COVID-19 and acute kidney injury. Labs showed hyperkalemia ranging from 5.3 to 7.2 mmol/l (n= 3.5-5.1 mmol/l) and hyponatremia 132 mmol/L (n= 136-145 mmol/L). He was started on dexamethasone for COVID-19 infection. Etiology of pericardial effusion was unclear; infectious disease workup was unremarkable, cytology showed no malignant cells, autoimmune panel was negative. Initial echo showed EF >55%. After initiation of steroids, symptoms improved with normalization of electrolytes and improvement of hypotension, however was discharged on midodrine 2.5 mg TID. Seven days after discharge patient called 911 complaining of worsening shortness of breath. He was found to be severely hypotensive with BP 67/40. Echo showed moderate to large pericardial effusion causing tamponade. Emergent pericardial window was performed. Labs showed hyponatremia 123 mmol/L and potassium ranging from 4.9-5.4 mmol/L. Patient remained hypotensive requiring pressors despite pericardial effusion drainage. With persistent hypotension, hyperkalemia, and hyponatremia there was strong suspicion for adrenal insufficiency and workup was consistent with PAI. Labs showed 8:00 am cortisol 2.7 ug/dl (n= 3.7-19.4 ug/dl), ACTH 256.0 pg/ml (n=7.2-63.3pg/ml), aldosterone <1.0 ng/dL, renin 4.216 ng/mL/hr (n= 0.167-5.380 ng/mL/hr). Due to his critical illness patient was started on stress dose hydrocortisone 50 mg Q6 hr. With initiation of steroids, hyponatremia, hypokalemia, and hypotension resolved. Patient was weaned to physiological doses of hydrocortisone and started on fludrocortisone at time of discharge. Conclusion: Timely diagnosis of PAI is essential and can be lifesaving, if untreated it can lead to adrenal crisis with high mortality. Having a high clinical suspicion is crucial to a prompt diagnosis. Pericardial effusion should prompt clinical suspicion for PAI as multiple cases have now been reported in the literature. Our patient has multiple potential causes of pericardial effusion including PAI, acute kidney injury, and COVID-19 infection. Although we cannot show definitive causation from PAI, it most certainly contributed and prompt diagnosis and treatment may have prevented recurrence. It is important to raise awareness of PAI as a differential in pericardial effusion. Presentation: Saturday, June 17, 2023

Evaluation of results of pericardial drainage by ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration in patients with pericardial effusion after cardiac surgery at hanoi heart hospital

Background: Pericardial effusion is a relatively common complication after cardiac surgery, in which a large proportion of cardiac tamponade causes hemodynamic disturbances, and can have serious consequences.
 Objective: "Evaluation of the efficacy and safety of pericardial drainage with ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration". 
 Method: Cross-sectional, retrospective. Accept all patients with pericardial effusion after cardiac surgery were recruited at the Emergency Department and the Intensive Care Unit who performed pericardial aspiration from May 2021 to October 2022.
 Results: There were 46 patients included in the study; the average age is 52.04 ± 12.46 years, the youngest is 26 years, the oldest is 81 years old; The group of patients with heart valve disease had the highest rate of pericardial effusion, accounting for 93.4%; patients with atrial septal defect have recurrent pericardial effusion after surgery; there is a higher rate of recurrence and need for surgical conversion with the use of a sheet + pigtail device compared with a catheter; 36 (78.3%) patients did not have recurrent effusion and 10 (21.7%) patients had relapse; 100% of patients are alive after pericardial drainage.
 Conclusion: The results of treatment of pericardial effusion with fine needle aspiration pericardial drainage under the guidance of ultrasound after cardiac surgery are positive, the use of the catheter is initially shown to be safer than the use of sheat + pigtail.

Case Series of Challenging Diagnosis for Recurrent Pleural and Pericardial Effusion

Three cases presented to our hospital with recurrent pleural and pericardial effusion. Detailed history of present and past illnesses were recorded. Thorough clinical examination done. All routine blood investigations were carried out. Pleural fluid, pericardial fluid peritoneal fluid were sent for analysis which revealed high ADA, exudative lymphocytic predominance, negative for malignancy and the patients were started on antitubercular therapy, but still patient didn’t show any response. thoracoscopic biopsy showed chronic inflammation. PET CT whole body and bone marrow biopsy revealed lymphoma.

Tenecteplase: A Review of Its Pharmacology and Uses.

Tenecteplase: A Review of Its Pharmacology and Uses.

Primary cardiac angiosarcoma initially diagnosed on pericardial fluid cytology with histology and autopsy correlation.

Primary cardiac angiosarcoma is an exceedingly rare high-grade malignancy of the heart originating from endothelial cells, with a predilection for the right atrium in male. Clinical diagnosis is extremely challenging because of the nonspecific symptoms and radiological findings. Although almost always presenting with massive recurrent pericardial effusions, cardiac angiosarcoma diagnosed based on pericardial fluid has rarely been reported, either due to the paucity of malignant cells or misdiagnosis due to low familiarity/suspicion and lack of proper workup. Unfortunately, patients with this disease often receive definitive diagnosis post-mortem. We report a case of primary cardiac angiosarcoma initially diagnosed on pericardial fluid. The cytomorphology and immunophenotype of angiosarcoma in fluid, as well as the challenges and practical recommendations in using pericardial fluid cytology for early diagnosis of this deadly disease are discussed.

The novel use of an advanced thrombectomy system to manage a complex pericardial effusion associated with kaposiform lymphangiomatosis.

A 4-year-old boy presented to our institution with pancytopenia, consumptive coagulopathy, hepatosplenomegaly and recurrent complex pericardial effusion secondary to kaposiform lymphagiomatosis. Due to extensive loculation, conventional drainage was minimally effective. As an adjunct to medical therapy, the Indigo™ aspiration system was used to remove thrombus within the pericardial space. Our patient had good medium-term results with complete resolution of his pericardial effusion at 4 months.

Postpericardiotomy Syndrome in an Infant with Down Syndrome Presenting with Recurrent Pericardial Effusion

Postpericardiotomy Syndrome in an Infant with Down Syndrome Presenting with Recurrent Pericardial Effusion

Management of Penetrating Cardiac Injuries With Pericardial Window and Drainage in Select Patients.

Management of penetrating chest injuries with a positive pericardial window (PW) are presumed cardiac injuries and traditionally result in sternotomy. However, there is some evidence in the literature that select patients can be managed with PW, lavage, and drainage (PWLD). All patients with penetrating chest trauma who underwent PW and/or sternotomy over a 5-year period were identified. Patients were stratified by operative intervention [PW + sternotomy vs PWLD] and compared. Multivariable logistic regression (MLR) analysis was performed to determine independent predictors of therapeutic sternotomy. Of the 146 patients who underwent PW and/or sternotomy included in the study, 126 patients underwent PW, 39 underwent sternotomy, and 10 underwent PWLD. There was no difference in demographics, LOS, ICU LOS, vent days, or mortality in patients who underwent PW + sternotomy, compared to patients who underwent PWLD. In the PWLD group, one patient returned to the OR for recurrent pericardial effusion and no patients required sternotomy. Multivariable logistic regression identified ISS as an independent predictor of therapeutic sternotomy (OR 1.160; 95% CI 1.006-1.338, P = .0616). Interestingly, positive FAST, significant CT findings, and trajectory were not predictors of therapeutic sternotomy. There were 7 patients with a left hemothorax and negative FAST found to have a positive PW and cardiac injury mandating sternotomy and repair. Penetrating cardiac injury can be managed with PWLD in select patients. Positive FAST, significant findings on CT, and trajectory do not mandate sternotomy. A negative FAST in the setting of a hemothorax does not rule out a cardiac injury.