Recurrent pericardial effusion: a treatable cause not to be overlooked

Clinical introduction A woman in her 60s presented with heart failure. She had a history of diabetes, hypertension and hyperlipidaemia. Surgical history comprised bilateral hydronephrosis requiring ureteric stenting and cholecystectomy. She had undergone three pericardiocentesis procedures within the preceding 2 years at other hospitals. No obvious cause for the recurrent effusions had been identified. Echocardiography demonstrated again a large pericardial effusion with diastolic collapse of the right ventricle. The left ventricular function appeared normal (Figure 1A). Urgent pericardiocentesis was performed. The cytology of the aspirate is shown (Figure 1B). The patient was extensively investigated. The slide of the CT of the abdomen is shown in Figure 1C. Figure 1(A) Transthoracic echocardiogram. Parasternal long-axis view. (B) Pericardial fluid full and microscopic examination. (C) CT of the abdomen. *Pericardial effusion surrounding the LV and RV. LA, left atrium; LV, left ventricle; RV,...

Source: Heart - July 27, 2023 Category: Cardiology Authors: Teoh, V. W. Y., Kamarulata, I. L., Loch, A. Tags: Image challenges Source Type: research