Una causa olvidada de insuficiencia cardíaca / A forgotten cause of heart failure

Amyloidosis is a low-frequency disease that can cause compromise of different systems. We report a case of heart failure in an 81-year-old woman secondary to amyloidosis, in which the echocardiogram was a valuable diagnostic tool.

Pericardial Effusion and Cardiac Tamponade: Etiology and Evolution in the Contemporary Era

Abstract Background: Pericardial effusion is a relatively common finding and can progress to cardiac tamponade; etiological diagnosis is important for guiding treatment decisions. With advances in medicine and improvement in the social context, the most frequent etiological causes have changed. Objectives: To evaluate the clinical and laboratory characteristics, etiology, and clinical course of patients with pericardial effusion and cardiac tamponade. Materials and methods: Patients with pericardial effusion classified as small (< 10 mm), moderate (between 10-20 mm), or severe (> 20 mm) were included. Data from the clinical history, physical examination, laboratory tests, and complementary tests were evaluated in patients with pericardial effusion and cardiac tamponade. The significance level was set at 5%. Results: A total of 254 patients with a mean age of 53.09 ± 17.9 years were evaluated, 51.2% of whom were female. A total of 40.4% had significant pericardial effusion (> 20 mm). Pericardial tamponade occurred in 44.1% of patients. Among pericardial effusion patients without tamponade, the most frequent etiologies were: idiopathic (44.4%) and postsurgical (17.6%), while among those with tamponade, the most frequent etiologies were postsurgical (21.4%) and postprocedural (19.6%). The mean follow-up time was 2.2 years. Mortality was 42% and 23.2 in those with and without tamponade, respectively (p=0.001). Conclusions: There is an etiological difference between pericardial effusion patients with and without cardiac tamponade. An idiopathic etiology is more common among those without tamponade, while postinterventional/postsurgical is more common among those with tamponade. The tamponade group had a higher mortality rate.

Linfoma pericárdico primario a células T/NK: reporte de un caso / Primary pericardial T/NK cell lymphoma: case report / Linfoma pericárdico primário de células T/NK: relato de um caso

Los linfomas cardíacos primarios son un subtipo muy poco frecuente de tumor en los cuales la lesión primaria se encuentra en el corazón. Los tumores suelen ser infiltrantes y se localizan en la aurícula derecha, seguidos del pericardio. Su mortalidad es notablemente alta y el diagnóstico tardío es el principal factor para su mal pronóstico. Describimos el caso de un paciente que presentó shock obstructivo por derrame pericárdico profuso causado por un tipo raro de tumor cardíaco primario, un linfoma pericárdico de células T/NK.

Primary cardiac lymphomas are a rare subtype of lymphomas in which the primary lesion is in the heart. The tumors are usually located in the right atria, followed by the pericardium and are frequently infiltrative. Mortality is remarkably high in this group and the delayed diagnosis is the main factor for its poor prognosis. We describe the case of a patient that presented with obstructive shock due to profuse pericardial effuse caused by a rare kind of primary cardiac tumor, a T/NK cell pericardial lymphoma.

Os linfomas cardíacos primários são um subtipo de tumor muito raro, no qual a lesão primária está no coração. Os tumores geralmente são infiltrativos e localizam-se no átrio direito, seguidos pelo pericárdio. Sua mortalidade é notavelmente alta e o diagnóstico tardio é o principal fator que produz seu mau prognóstico. Descrevemos o caso de um paciente que apresentou choque obstrutivo devido a um derrame pericárdico profuso causado por um tipo raro de tumor cardíaco primário, um linfoma pericárdico de células T/NK.

A clinical analysis of pericardial effusion caused by central venous catheterization in preterm infants / 中国当代儿科杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To study the clinical features of pericardial effusion caused by central venous catheterization in preterm infants.@*METHODS@#A retrospective analysis was performed on 11 preterm infants with pericardial effusion caused by central venous catheterization. Their catheterization features, manifestations, treatment, and prognosis were analyzed.@*RESULTS@#A total of 11 preterm infants (11/2 599, 0.42%) developed pericardial effusion, with a mean gestational age of (30.1±2.6) weeks and a mean birth weight of (1 240±234) g. Pericardial effusion mostly occurred within 4 days after central venous catheterization (10 cases, 91%). The main manifestations included poor response (6/11, 55%), cyanosis (5/11, 45%), increased respiratory rate (6/11, 55%), increased heart rate (6/11, 55%), aggravated dyspnea (5/11, 45%), and muffled heart sound (5/11, 45%). At the time of disease progression, 7 preterm infants (64%) had a deep position of the end of the catheter, 3 preterm infants (27%) had a correct position, and 1 preterm infant (9%) had a shallow position. Five preterm infants (45%) experienced cardiac tamponade, among whom 4 underwent pericardiocentesis. Seven preterm infants were given conservative medical treatment. Among the 11 children, 2 (18%) died and 9 (82%) improved.@*CONCLUSIONS@#Pericardial effusion caused by central venous catheterization mostly occurs in the early stage of catheterization and has critical clinical manifestations. Pericardiocentesis is required for cardiac tamponade, and early diagnosis and intervention can effectively improve prognosis.

Taponamiento Cardiaco: cuando el corazón se encuentra bajo presión / Cardiac tamponade: when the heart is under pressure

BACKGROUND: Cardiac tamponade is a medical emergency that occurs when fluid accumulates in the pericardial space, its prompt diagnosis and treatment can prevent a fatal outcome. OBJECTIVES: We describe a case of cardiac tamponade in a medicine Ward and its subsequent resolution. CLINICAL CASE: 56-year-old male patient with dyspnoea and edematous síndrome, managed with partial response depletive therapy. Echocardiographic study reveals a large pericardial effusion with signs of cardiac tamponade. Inmediate management with ultrasound-guided pericardiocentesis and subsequent surgical resolution. DISCUSSION: The knowledge of the clinical-hemdynamic manifestations and their subsequent pathophysiological background are important in the diagnostic suspicion and management considerations. Echocardiography is a critical component for the final diagnosis, since given its sensitivity and specificity it allows to complete the characterization of the pericardial effusion. In addition, it contributes to reducing the morbidity associated with its drainage.

Tamponamento cardíaco por cateter central de inserção periférica em prematuros: papel da ultrassonografia à beira do leito e abordagem terapêutica / Cardiac tamponade by peripherally inserted central catheter in preterm infants: role of bedside ultrasonography and therapeutic approach

RESUMO Objetivo: determinar a incidência de derrame pericárdico com tamponamento cardíaco em recém-natos prematuros em uma unidade de terapia intensiva pediátrica, com ênfase na relação entre o derrame pericárdico e a inserção de cateter central de inserção periférica, e avaliar o papel da ultrassonografia à beira do leito na abordagem desses casos. Métodos: análise retrospectiva dos pacientes internados em unidade de terapia intensiva pediátrica, entre julho de 2014 e dezembro de 2016, que apresentaram derrame pericárdico com repercussão hemodinâmica, avaliados por ultrassonografia. Resultados: foram estudados 426 pacientes admitidos na unidade neonatal de cinco leitos, com realização 285 ultrassonografias à beira do leito. Foram encontrados seis casos de derrame pericárdico, sendo quatro casos com choque obstrutivo e necessidade de realização de drenagem pericárdica, sem mortalidade relacionada ao procedimento e com melhora hemodinâmica em todos os pacientes após o procedimento. A incidência de derrame pericárdico foi de 2,4 casos por ano. Conclusão: a incidência de derrame pericárdico é baixa em neonatos, porém o diagnóstico precoce é fundamental devido à alta morbimortalidade, especialmente nos casos de instalação abrupta. Todos os casos foram diagnosticados pela ultrassonografia à beira do leito, demonstrando sua importância no rastreio desses casos, especialmente em nos quadros de choque de etiologia incerta e neonatos com instabilidade hemodinâmica de início súbito que estão em uso de acesso venoso central.

ABSTRACT Objective: to determine the incidence of pericardial effusion with cardiac tamponade in preterm infants in a pediatric intensive care unit, with emphasis on the relationship between pericardial effusion and peripherally inserted central catheter, and to evaluate the role of bedside ultrasound in approaching these cases. Methods: we conducted a retrospective analysis of patients admitted to a pediatric intensive care unit between July 2014 and December 2016, who presented pericardial effusion with hemodynamic repercussion, evaluated by ultrasonography. Results: we studied 426 patients admitted to the five beds of the neonatal unit. In the period, there were 285 bedside ultrasound exams. We found six cases of pericardial effusion, four of which with obstructive shock and need for pericardial drainage. There was no procedure-related mortality, and all patients evolved with hemodynamic improvement after the procedure. The incidence of pericardial effusion was 2.4 cases per year. Conclusion: the incidence of pericardial effusion is low in neonates, but early diagnosis is fundamental due to high morbidity and mortality, especially in cases of abrupt onset. All cases were diagnosed by bedside ultrasonography, demonstrating its importance in the screening of these cases, especially in shocks of uncertain etiology and neonates with sudden onset hemodynamic instability who are using central venous access.

Quilopericardio secundario a cirugía cardíaca / Chylopericardium after cardiac surgery

Introducción: El quilopericardio post cirugía cardíaca en el adulto es extremadamente infrecuente. Su aspecto lechoso característico y análisis bioquímico permiten el diagnóstico. El objetivo es presentar una complicación excepcional de la cirugía cardíaca, su fisiopatología y tratamiento médico. Presentación del caso: Mujer de 61 años, con historia de disnea progresiva, ortopnea y disnea paroxística nocturna de 12 años de evolución. Se pesquisó en ecocardiograma comunicación interauricular (CIA) tipo ostium secundum con shunt izquierda-derecha, disfunción ventricular, dilatación de cavidades derechas, insuficiencia tricuspídea masiva e hipertensión pulmonar grave. Se discutió caso y se decidió resolución quirúrgica. Se abordó por esternotomía media, y en circulación extracorpórea, se realizó, cierre de CIA con parche de poliéster y plastía tricuspídea. Al tercer día postoperatorio presentó aumento de débito pericárdico con líquido de aspecto lechoso. Análisis bioquímico permitió realizar el diagnóstico de quilopericardio. Se indicó tratamiento conservador con nutrición parenteral total y posterior uso de octreotide a lo largo de aproximadamente un mes. La paciente respondió a la terapia y fue dada de alta, no requiriendo de reintervención. Ecocardiograma de control mostró ausencia de derrame pericárdico. Al mes de seguimiento la paciente se encontró asintomática en capacidad funcional I. Discusión: La cirugía cardíaca es la causa del 9% de los casos de quilopericardio en adultos. Se han descrito diversas etiologías que van desde la lesión directa del conducto torácico hasta la asociación con la hipertensión pulmonar. En el caso presentado, el tratamiento con medidas nutricionales y octreotide fue efectivo evitando una nueva exploración quirúrgica.

Introduction: Adult post cardiac surgery chylopericardium is extremely rare. Its characteris- tic milky look and biochemical analysis allow diagnosis. The objective is to present a rare complication of cardiac surgery, its pathophysiology and treatment. Case report: A 61 years old woman, with a history of progressive dyspnea, orthopnea and paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea of 12 years of evolution. Echocardiography found an ostium secundum atrial septal defect (ASD) with left-right shunt, ventricular dysfunction, dilated right chambers, massive tricuspid regurgitation and severe pulmonary hypertension. The case was discussed and surgical resolution was decided. A median sternotomy, ASD closure polyester patch and tricuspid plasty was performed. On the third postoperative day presented increased pericardial debit with milky liquid. Biochemical analysis allowed the diagnosis of chylopericardium. Conservative treatment was decided with total parenteral nutrition and subsequent use of octreotide over about one month. The patient responded well to treatment and was discharged, not requiring reoperation. Control echocardiogram showed no pericardial effusion. One-month follow-up the patient was asymptomatic and in functional capacity I. Discussion: Cardiac surgery is the cause of 9% of cases chylopericardium in adults. Various etiologies are described ranging from direct injury to the thoracic duct to the association with pulmonary hypertension. In the case presented, nutritional therapy and octreotide were effective, avoiding a new surgical exploration.

Análisis de las características clínicas, ecocardiográficas, microbiológicas y citopatológicas de derrames pericárdicos en un hospital de tercer nivel de atención / Analysis of clinical, echocardiographic, microbiological and cytopathological characteristics of pericardial effusions in a tertiary hospital care

Objetivo: Conocer la prevalencia, las causas, los hallazgos clínicos, ecocardiográficos, microbiológicos y citopatológicos de pacientes con derrame pericárdico. Métodos: Estudio observacional, retrospectivo, transversal y analítico. Se analizaron expedientes clínicos de pacientes que reciben pericardiocentesis durante un periodo de 5 años. Se empleó estadística descriptiva, con medidas de tendencia central y de dispersión para el análisis. Resultados: La prevalencia de derrame pericárdico fue del 1.1%. Predominó en mujeres (60.4%) y se observó una media de edad de 49 años. La principal causa asociada fue neoplásica, con un 32.1%, seguida de la idiopática y reumatológica con un 27.4 y 10.4%, respectivamente. Se presentó taponamiento cardiaco en un 27.1%, siendo la disnea y la presencia de tonos cardiacos apagados los datos clínicos más comunes. El colapso auricular y ventricular derechos se presentaron en el 84.9 y 75.5%, respectivamente. El estudio citopatológico de líquido pericárdico presentó un mayor rendimiento diagnóstico en el estudio de derrames asociados a neoplasias, mostrando una sensibilidad del 54%, una especificidad del 95%, un valor predictivo positivo del 85% y un valor predictivo negativo del 81%. Conclusiones: La prevalencia de derrame pericárdico en un hospital de tercer nivel fue del 1.1%, predominando la etiología neoplásica. El colapso auricular y ventricular derechos son los hallazgos ecocardiográficos más comunes en la presencia de derrame pericárdico moderado o severo. El estudio citopatológico tiene una alta especificidad ante la sospecha de causa neoplásica.

Objective: To determine the prevalence, etiology, clinical, echocardiographic, microbiological and cytopathological characteristics of patients with pericardial effusion. Methods: Observational, retrospective, cross-sectional analytical study. We reviewed medical records of patients undergoing pericardiocentesis for a 5 years period. We used descriptive statistics, measures of central tendency and dispersion for analysis. Results: The prevalence of pericardial effusion was 1.1%. Predominant in women (60.4%) and there was a mean age of 49 years. The main causes were neoplastic 32.1%, idiopathic 27.4% and rheumatological 10.4%. A percentage of 27.1 had cardiac tamponade whereas dyspnea and muffled heart sounds were the most common clinical data. The right atrial and ventricular collapse occurred in 84.9 and 75.5%, respectively. The pericardial fluid cytology yielded better in neoplastic causes a sensitivity of 54%, specificity 95%, positive predictive value 85% and negative predictive value 81%. Conclusions: The prevalence of pericardial effusion in a tertiary care hospital was 1.1%, the main cause was neoplastic. In the evaluation of moderate or severe pericardial effusion we found that right atrial and ventricular collapses were the most common echocardiographic findings. The cytopathological study had a high specificity for the diagnosis of neoplasia.

Supra-Cath : A Life Saving Catheter.

Amebic liver abscesses are more likely to be solitary and more commonly located in the right hepatic lobe. Though uncommon, erosion usually from left lobe into the pericardium is the most dangerous complication of amebic liver abscess. We encountered an interesting case of an elderly male, who presented with features suggestive of cardiac temponade. We could demonstrate the left lobe abscess, pericardial effusion and also pericardial fistula on ultrasonography. Patient was successfully managed by percutaneous drainage of left lobe hepatic abscess by Supra- Cath, which also drained pericardial effusion with immediate symptomatic relief.

Tamponamento cardíaco e hipotireoidismo: relato de caso e revisão de literatura

Neste artigo é descrito o caso de uma paciente de 63 anos, que chegou ao serviço de emergência apresentando sinais clínicos de tamponamento cardíaco, secundário a um derrame pericárdico volumoso. Na investigação complementar constatou-se hipotireoidismo como etiologia do derrame. O objetivo deste artigo é discutir as implicações clínicas, diagnóstico e tratamento do derrame pericárdico secundário ao hipotireoidismo.

Tamponamento cardíaco e hipotireoidismo: relato de caso e revisão de literatura / Cardiac tamponade and hypothyroidism: case report and literature review

Neste artigo é descrito o caso de uma paciente de 63 anos, que chegou ao serviço de emergência apresentando sinais clínicos de tamponamento cardíaco, secundário a um derrame pericárdico volumoso. Na investigação complementar constatou-se hipotireoidismo como etiologia do derrame. O objetivo deste artigo é discutir as implicações clínicas, diagnóstico e tratamento do derrame pericárdico secundário ao hipotireoidismo.

Avaliação da viabilidade da técnica de acesso ao espaço epicárdico por punção transatrial para ablação epicárdica por catete / Percutaneous transatrial approach to reach the epicardial space for epicardial mapping and ablation

Fundamentos O acesso percutâneo ao espaço pericárdico pela via transatrial poderia ser uma alternativa ao acesso subxifóide para o mapeamento e ablação de fibras miocárdicas subepicárdicas. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a viabilidade de alcançar o espaço pericárdico normal através do apêndice auricular direito (AAD) por acesso transvenoso. Métodos e Resultados - Um sistema Mullins (8F), originalmente desenvolvido para alcançar o átrio esquerdo (AE) por punção transeptal foi utilizado neste estudo para transfixar o AAD (16) ou AE (1) em 17 suínos, com uma média de 26,9 ± 2,6 kg, e alcançar o espaço pericárdico normal. Um cateter 7F quadripolar com eletrodo distal com 4 ou 8 mm foi introduzido no espaço pericárdico para aplicações de radiofrequência. Em 15 (88%) animais o procedimento foi realizado sem instabilidade hemodinâmica (PA média inicial = 80,4 ± 11.7 mmHg; PA média final = 86,8 ± 9.7 mmHg, p = 0,11). Foi identificado e aspirado derrame pericárdico discreto (28,9 ± 27.6 ml/animal) durante o procedimento. O espaço pericárdico foi acidentalmente acessado por punção do ventrículo direito (VD) em um animal e por punção do anel da valva tricúspide em outro. Ambos apresentaram sangramento xii pericárdico importante e tamponamento cardíaco. Um dispositivo para oclusão do orifício de perfuração foi testado com sucesso em três porcos, dois no AD e um no VD, sem ocorrência de derrame pericárdico significativo. Conclusões O acesso transatrial ao espaço pericárdico pode ser potencialmente útil para mapeamento e ablação de arritmias cardíacas, bem como para drenagem imediata de um tamponamento cardíaco agudo.

Background A transvenous access to the pericardial space could provide a convenient route to map and ablate subepicardial myocardial fibers. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of reaching the normal pericardial space through the right atrial appendage (RAA) by transvenous access. Methods and Results An 8F Mullins system was used to transfix the right atrium (16) and left atrium (1) in 17 pigs with a mean of 26.9 ± 2.6 kg. A 7F quadripolar catheter with 4 or 8 mm distal tip electrode was introduced into the pericardial space to perform epicardial radiofrequency lesions. The pericardial space was successfully reached in 15 (88%) animals without hemodynamic instability (initial mean BP 80.4 ± 11.7 mmHg; final 86.8 ± 9.7 mmHg, p= 0,11). However, a mild pericardial serohemorrhagic effusion was identified and aspirated in all the animals (28.9 ± 27.6 ml/pig) during the procedure. The pericardial space was accidentally accessed through the right ventricle (RV) in one animal and through the tricuspid annulus in another, which presented important pericardial bleeding and cardiac tamponade. The hypothesis that an occlusion device could be useful to close the created atrial xiv orifice was tested successfully in thee pigs (two at RAA and one at RV) and without significant pericardial bleeding. Conclusions The right atrial appendage route might be potentially useful to access the normal pericardial space for mapping and ablating cardiac arrhythmias as well as to drain promptly an acute tamponade.

Drenagem pericárdica videotoracoscópica no tratamento dos derrames pericárdicos / Video-thoracoscopic pericardial drainage in the treatment of pericardial effusions

OBJETIVOS: Analisar a eficácia e a segurança da drenagem pericárdica videotoracoscópica no tratamento e diagnóstico etiológico dos derrames pericárdicos por meio da revisão de 26 casos. MÉTODOS: De abril de 2005 a dezembro de 2007, 26 pacientes com derrame pericárdico foram submetidos ao procedimento. A média etária foi de 48,2 anos. O sintoma mais comum foi dispnéia, seguida por dor torácica. O procedimento foi realizado em decúbito lateral, sob anestesia geral e intubação seletiva, com o auxílio de três trocateres. RESULTADOS: A realização do procedimento foi possível em 25 casos. Ocorreu uma conversão. Em 61,53 por cento dos casos, o procedimento foi capaz de alterar o diagnóstico inicial. Culturas e microbiologia foram negativas em todos os casos. Achados compatíveis com neoplasia estavam presentes em nove casos, tuberculose em dois, aspergilose em um, pós-cirúrgico em três, lúpico em dois, urêmico em um e oito idiopáticos. Em quatro casos, procedimentos pleuropulmonares concomitantes foram realizados. Não ocorreram óbitos relacionados ao procedimento. Ocorreu uma recidiva. CONCLUSÃO: O procedimento demonstrou ser seguro, reprodutível e eficaz, capaz de fornecer diagnóstico etiológico e mudar o curso terapêutico de alguns pacientes. O procedimento pode se tornar o padrão-ouro em doentes selecionados.

OBJECTIVES: To assess efficacy and safety of videothoracoscopic pericardial drainage in the treatment and diagnostic of pericardial effusion through 26 cases review. METHODS: From April 2005 to December 2007, 26 patients with pericardial effusion underwent a video-thoracoscopic pericardial window. Median age was 48.2 years old. Dyspnea was the most frequent symptom followed by thoracic pain. The procedure was performed in lateral decubitus, under general anesthesia and selective intubation with the aid of three trocars. RESULTS: Procedure accomplish was feasible in 25 cases. One conversion occurred. In 61.53 percent of the cases the procedure was able to modify the initial diagnosis. Microbiology and tissue culture were negative in all cases. Neoplasia was present in nine cases, tuberculosis in two, aspergillosis in one, postoperative heart surgeries in three; lupus in two, uremia in one and idiopathy in eight. Associated pleuropulmonary procedures were performed in four cases. No deaths related to the procedure occurred. One late recurrence was recorded. CONCLUSION: The procedure is feasible, safe, reproducible and allowed an etiologic diagnostic. Specific treatment could be initiated in some cases. The intervention could possibly be the new gold standard treatment of pericardial effusion in selected patients.

Derrames pericárdicos crónicos severos idiopáticos / Idiophatic chronic severe pericardial effusion

El objetivo del presente trabajo es determinar la frecuencia la presentación clínica, tratamiento, evolución y pronóstico alejado en pacientes con Derrame Pericárdico Crónico Severo Idiopático (DPCSI)

Diagnosis and management of neoplastic pericardial effusion with cardiac tamponade; review of two case studies at the San Juan Veteran Administration Medical Center

Two case reports of patients with known non-small cell lung cancer that developed cardiac tamponade related to metastatic pericardial disease are described. Both of these patients underwent urgent subxiphoid echocardiographic guided pericardiocentesis. They both were treated with sclerotherapy using intrapericardial bleomycin. There were no complications from these procedures and no recurrence of cardiac tamponade. They both lived more than 6 months after this intervention. This article reviews the pathogenesis, clinical presentation, diagnosis, and current therapeutic interventions of patients with neoplastic pericardial effusion and cardiac tamponade

Clinical and echocardiographic characteristics of patients with significant pericardial effusion requiring pericardiocentesis

Clinical and echocardiographic features of significant pericardial effusion [PE] have been reported from the west. Currently there is lack of published data from this part of the world, we reviewed all consecutive cases of significant PE requiring echocardiographic assisted pericardiocentesis to analyze the clinical and echocardiographic features of these patients. Forty four consecutive patients who underwent echocardiography assisted pericardiocentesis at the Aga Khan University Hospital [AKUH] between January 1988 and May 2001 are included in this review. Most common presenting symptoms were dyspnea [89%] and fever [36%]. Elevated JVP and pulsus paradoxus were documented in 59% and 41% of patients respectively. Sinus tachycardia [75%] and low voltage [34%] were the most common ECG findings. Malignancy [45-51%] and tuberculosis [27%] were among the most frequent causes of PE. One patient died during echocardiography-assisted pericardiocentesis. Majority of the pregnant females delivering at Aga Khan University Hospital were aware of epidural analgesia for labour. However, only a small proportion are availing this service, due to fears and misconceptions [JPMA 55:63;2005]. The symptoms and physical findings of haemodynamically significant PE are frequently nonspecific. Transthoracic echocardiography is the gold standard for rapid and confirmatory diagnosis of PE and cardiac tamponade. The most common cause of PE was malignancy followed by tuberculosis. Pericardiocentesis under echocardiographic guidance is a safe and effective treatment for significant PE

Quilopericárdio isolado após cirurgia cardíaca / Isolated chylopericardium after cardiac surgery

Quilopericárdio como complicação de cirurgia cardíaca é raro. Pode ser causado por lesão no ducto torácico, de tributárias do ducto ou pela trombose da confluência das veias jugular e subclávia esquerda, obstruindo a drenagem do ducto torácico. O tratamento pode ser conservador ou cirúrgico, dependendo da duração e do volume drenado. Apresentamos o caso de uma mulher de 24 anos que no pós-operatório tardio de troca da valva mitral (bioprótese) foi internada com quadro de tamponamento cardíaco devido à presença de quilopericárdio. São comentados os aspectos clínicos e o tratamento instituído.

Clinical and Echocardiographic Characteristics of Pericardial Effusion in Patients Who Underwent Echocardiographically Guided Pericardiocentesis: Yonsei Cardiovascular Center Experience, 1993-2003

Percutaneous pericardiocentesis guided by two-dimensional echocardiography was introduced in 1983 as an alternative to electrocardiographically or fluoroscopically guided puncture for the management of pericardial effusion. The objective of this study was to investigate echocardiographically (echo) - guided pericardiocenteses performed at Yonsei Cardiovascular Center from January 1, 1993 to December 31, 2003, and also to determine whether patient profiles, etiology, and practice patterns have changed over this 11-year period. The medical records of 272 patients were examined and a follow-up survey was conducted. Patient clinical profiles, etiology, echocardiographic findings, and procedural details were determined for 2 periods: January, 1993 through December, 1997 (period 1) ; and January 1998 through December, 2003 (period 2). During the 11-year study period, 291 therapeutic, echo-guided pericardiocenteses with pericardial catheter drainage were performed in 272 patients. The number of pericardiocentesis in period 2 was increased compared with period 1 (191 cases vs. 100 cases). The mean age at pericardiocentesis increased from 49 +/-17 years in period 1 to 55+/-16 years in period 2 (p< 0.05). The procedural success rate was 99% overall with a major complication rate of 0.7% (2 cases of right ventricular free wall perforation which required emergency operation). Only one procedure-related mortality (< 30 days) was noted. Malignancy was the leading cause of a pericardial effusion requiring pericardiocentesis (45.6%). The incidence of pericardial effusion following cardiothoracic surgery and percutaneous coronary intervention procedures accounted for nearly 20% of all pericardiocenteses performed. Echo-guided pericardiocentesis has become a safe, standard practice for clinically significant pericardial effusion, in line with the changes of patients profiles over the 11 years of the study.