Testes de Triagem Prevendo Metástase de Câncer na Etiologia do Derrame Pericárdico: HALP Score e PNI / Screening Tests Predicting Cancer Metastasis in the Etiology of Pericardial Effusion: HALP Score and PNI

Resumo Fundamento: A triagem do câncer é absolutamente necessária em pacientes com derrame pericárdico, pois o câncer é uma das doenças mais graves em sua etiologia. Estudos anteriores indicaram que o índice de inflamação imunológica sistêmica (IIS), o índice prognóstico nutricional (PNI) e o escore de hemoglobina, albumina, linfócitos e plaquetas (HALP) podem ser escores relacionados ao câncer. Objetivos: Este estudo foi iniciado considerando que esses sistemas de pontuação poderiam prever o câncer na etiologia de pacientes com derrame pericárdico. Métodos: Os pacientes submetidos à pericardiocentese entre 2006 e 2022 foram analisados retrospectivamente. A pericardiocentese foi realizada em um total de 283 pacientes com derrame pericárdico ou tamponamento cardíaco de moderado a grande no período especificado. Os índices de HALP, PNI e IIS foram calculados do sangue venoso periférico retirado antes do procedimento de pericardiocentese. O nível de significância estatística foi aceito em p<0,05. Resultados: O escore HALP foi de 0,173 (0,125-0,175) em pacientes com câncer. Detectou-se que em pacientes não oncológicos o escore foi de 0,32 (0,20-0,49; p<0,001). O escore de PNI foi de 33,1±5,6 em pacientes com câncer. Detectou-se que em pacientes não oncológicos o escore foi 39,8±4,8 (p<0,001). Conclusão: Os escores HALP e PNI são testes de triagem de câncer fáceis e rápidos que podem prever metástases de câncer na etiologia de pacientes com derrame pericárdico.

Abstract Background: Cancer screening is absolutely necessary in patients with pericardial effusion, given that cancer is one of the most serious diseases in the etiology of pericardial effusion. In previous studies, it was stated that the systemic immune-inflammation index (SII); the prognostic nutrition index (PNI); and the hemoglobin, albumin, lymphocyte, platelet (HALP) score can produce scores related to cancer. Objectives: This study began considering that these scoring systems could predict cancer in the etiology of patients with pericardial effusion. Methods: This study produced a retrospective analysis of patients who underwent pericardiocentesis between 2006 and 2022. Pericardiocentesis was performed in a total of 283 patients with moderate-to-large pericardial effusion or pericardial tamponade within the specified period. HALP, PNI, and SII scores were calculated according to the peripheral venous blood taken before the pericardiocentesis procedure. The statistical significance level was set at p<0.05. Results: The HALP score proved to be 0.173 (0.125-0.175) in cancer patients and 0.32 (0.20-0.49) in non-cancer patients (p<0.001). The PNI score proved to be 33.1±5.6 in cancer patients and 39.8±4.8 in non-cancer patients (p<0.001). Conclusion: The HALP score and PNI proved to be easy and fast cancer screening tests that can predict cancer metastasis in the etiology of patients with pericardial effusion.

Pharmaceutical care for rare ADR in a patient with ALK-positive non-small cell lung cancer induced by alectinib / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE To provide reference for safe drug use in patients with anaplastic lymphoma kinase （ALK）-positive non-small cell lung cancer （NSCLC）. METHODS Clinical pharmacists participated in the diagnosis and treatment of a patient with ALK-positive NSCLC who developed bilateral pleural effusion and hemolytic anemia after taking alectinib； regarding symptoms such as pleural effusion and hemolytic anemia in the patient， clinical pharmacists investigated the patient’s history of medication and disease， as well as potential drug interaction； to consider the correlation between the patient’s use of alectinib and the duration of pleural effusion and hemolytic anemia， clinical pharmacists suggested that clinical doctors discontinued alectinib and used reduced dose treatment after the pleural effusion improved， but the patient suffered from bilateral pleural effusion and hemolytic anemia again； after evaluating the correlation between alectinib and bilateral pleural effusion and hemolytic anemia using the Naranjo’s assessment scale， clinical pharmacists recommend permanent discontinuation of alectinib and jointly recommend replacement with ensartinib with clinical physicians. RESULTS Physicians adopted the suggestions of clinical pharmacists. The pleural effusion subsequently regressed and hemolytic anemia improved after replacing the drug. The correlation between alectinib and bilateral pleural effusion and hemolytic anemia was confirmed. CONCLUSIONS Clinical pharmacists participate in pharmaceutical monitoring of ALK-positive NSCLC patients， assist clinical doctors in developing personalized medication recommendations， and ensure the safety of patient medication.

Investigation and Ethical Consideration of Perioperative Complications in Patients with Liver Transplantation / 中国医学伦理学

To explore the prevention and treatment of perioperative complications of adult liver transplantation patients from the perspective of ethics, and carry out ethical thinking in order to provide theoretical support. Through a cross-sectional study, 189 patients selected by strict admission criteria who received liver transplantation in the department of hepatobiliary surgery of the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University from January 2018 to May 2019, to explore the incidence and ethical problems of perioperative complications in adult liver transplantation. The results showed that 87 patients had complications among 189 patients, the incidence was 46.03%. Among them, 28 patients with pleural effusion, the incidence was 14.81%; 15 patients with biliary complications, the incidence was 7.94%; 14 patients with diabetes mellitus, the incidence was 7.41%. The incidence of complications after liver transplantation is high, mainly including pleural effusion, biliary complications and diabetes mellitus. Thus, the prevention and intervention from the perspective of nursing ethics is worth exploring.

Características clínicas, diagnóstico e tratamento de mulher com síndrome de Meigs: relato de caso e revisão narrativa / Clinical characteristics, diagnosis and treatment of a woman with Meigs syndrome: case report and narrative review

O objetivo deste estudo é descrever o caso de mulher com síndrome de Meigs e apresentar a revisão narrativa sobre o tema. Paciente do sexo feminino, 30 anos, nulípara, encaminhada ao hospital por massa anexial e história prévia de drenagem de derrame pleural. Evoluiu com instabilidade hemodinâmica por derrame pleural hipertensivo à direita, sendo submetida a drenagem torácica, com citologia do líquido negativa. Após, foi submetida a laparotomia: realizada salpingo-ooforectomia esquerda. A congelação e a análise histopatológica diagnosticaram fibroma ovariano. A citologia ascítica foi negativa. CA-125 elevado, presença de derrames cavitários e exame de imagem suspeito podem mimetizar um cenário de neoplasia maligna de ovário em estágio avançado. Entretanto, na síndrome de Meigs clássica, o tratamento é cirúrgico, sendo o diagnóstico obtido por meio da análise histopatológica do tumor ovariano. O manejo da síndrome de Meigs clássica é cirúrgico e, após a remoção do tumor, o derrame pleural e a ascite desaparecem.

To describe a case of Meigs syndrome and present a narrative review of the condition. Female patient, 30 years old, nulliparous, referred to the hospital due to an adnexal mass and a previous drainage of pleural effusion. She developed hemodynamic instability due to a hypertensive right pleural effusion being submitted to chest drainage, with negative cytology of the fluid. She underwent laparotomy: Left salpingo-oophorectomy was performed and frozen section and histopathological analysis diagnosed an ovarian fibroma. Ascites cytology was negative. Elevated CA-125, presence of cavitary effusions, suspicious imaging exam can mimic a scenario of ovarian cancer at an advanced stage. However, in classical Meigs syndrome, treatment is surgical, and the diagnosis is obtained through histopathological analysis of the ovarian tumor. Classical Meigs syndrome' management is surgical. After tumor removal, pleural effusion and ascites resolve.

Surgery for Otitis Media with Effusion: A Survey of Otolaryngologists Who Treat Children in Brazil

Abstract Introduction Myringotomy and ear tube placement (MTP) is the surgical treatment for otitis media with effusion (OME), and it is the most common surgery performed in children. Several guidelines have been developed to assist in the care of patients who become candidates for MTP. Objectives To evaluate the practice of Brazilian otorhinolarynogologists when performing MTP according to the years of clinical experience. Secondarily, we also want to assess if their practice regarding MTP varied according to the percentage of children treated and the location of their practice. Methods A 30-question survey was sent to otolaryngologists affiliated with the Brazilian Academy of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology (Academia Brasileira de Otorrinolaringologia Pediátrica, ABOPe, in Portuguese) and/or the Scientific Department of Otorhinolaryngology of the Brazilian Society of Pediatrics (Sociedade Brasileira de Pediatria, SBP, in Portuguese). The questions included were carefully chosen to provide a profile about the practices adopted in the pre-, peri- and postoperative periods of MTP. Results The questionnaire was sent to 208 otolaryngologists, and there were 124 (59.6%) respondents. Of those, 59.7% use antiseptics before surgery. Only 54 otolaryngologists, less than half of the subjects in this study (43.5%), always place a tube during the procedure. More physicians who practice in small cities recommend water precautions after MTP when compared to other physicians (p < 0.001). Conclusions The present study reveals that many respondents do not follow some of the recommendations of the current guidelines of the American Academy of

A comparative study of conventional cytology and cell block in the diagnosis of pleural effusion with special reference to immunohistochemistry

Background: Body cavity fluids are evaluated by cell block (CB) technique. In conventional cytological smears (CS), appropriate identification of the cells as either reactive mesothelial cells or malignant cells is a diagnostic problem. In CB method, there is increase in cellularity, so it gives more morphological details of cells and improving the sensitivity of diagnosis. Sections obtained by CB method are also can be stored for future study like immunohistochemistry (IHC). Aims and Objectives: The aim of the study was to determine the diagnostic efficacy of CB technique over conventional CS and to study of IHC in CB of malignant pleural effusion. Materials and Methods: This will be institution-based, cross-sectional, and observational study. The pleural fluid (except blood and pus) obtained by thoracocentesis from both male and female patient (>18 years of age) 100 cases was included in the study. Pleural fluid mixed with blood/pus, fluid from cystic lesion, and inadequate sample (<15 ml vol.) were excluded in the study. Results: Association between architectural pattern in CB versus architectural pattern in cytology smear showed statistically significant value Chi-square: 201.7417, P < 0.0001. Conclusion: We may conclude that CB technique is better than conventional cytology smear technique especially in case of malignant pleural effusion. It increases true positive cases and decreases false negative cases. It also increases cellularity, maintain architectural pattern, and cellular morphology.

Pleural empyema after COVID-19: A delayed presentation

Globally, the number of coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) cases and deaths shows a declining trend since a peak in January 2022. For now, the pandemic phase looks to be ended, until a severe new variant may trigger another wave. At present, in India, small pockets of COVID-19 cases and post-COVID complications are still being reported. Therefore, physicians should remain vigilant about the atypical presentations and potential delayed or long-term complications of SARS-CoV-2 infection, even in individuals who had a mild COVID-19 infection. Here, we present the case of a 52-year-old male patient with a history of hypertension, who is a non-smoker and developed culture-negative pleural empyema 7 months after a mild COVID-19 infection. The patient was successfully treated with antibiotics and early video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery

Profile of Cardiac Involvement in Children After Exposure to COVID-19

Objective: To evaluate the incidence and pattern of cardiac involvement in children postCOVID (coronavirus disease) infection in a tertiary care referral hospital in India. Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted including all consecutive children with suspected MIS-C referred to the cardiology services. Results: Of the 111 children with mean (SD) age 3.5 (3.6) years, 95.4% had cardiac involvement. Abnormalities detected were coronary vasculopathy, pericardial effusion, valvular regurgitation, ventricular dysfunction, diastolic flow reversal in aorta, pulmonary hypertension, bradycardia and intracardiac thrombus. The survival rate post treatment was 99%. Early and short-term follow-up data was available in 95% and 70%, respectively. Cardiac parameters improved in the majority. Conclusion: Cardiac involvement post COVID-19 is often a silent entity and may be missed unless specifically evaluated for. Early echocardiography aids in prompt diagnosis, triaging, and treatment, and may help in favorable outcomes.

Giant Left Atrial Appendage Aneurysm or Pericardial Effusion: A Misleading Appearance on Echocardiography and a High Risk of Rupture

Left atrial appendage (LAA) aneurysm or giant LAA is an uncommon condition. It could be discovered incidentally during echocardiography examination or in symptomatic patients presenting with tachycardia or embolic events. The giant LAA is a serious condition with a high embolic risk that can cause respiratory distress and even cardiac arrest in children. A conservative surgical approach based on resection of the LAA is recommended and is mostly safe. We report the case of a four-year-old girl presenting with a symptomatic giant LAA removed successfully. The echo-cardiographer must be aware of its appearance mimicking a pericardial effusion and focus on its possible association with other congenital lesions. There are several therapeutic strategies, all with proven efficacy and safety.

A rare case of tuberculous polyserositis � A case report

Polyserositis is defined as chronic inflammation of several serous membranes with effusions in serous cavities like Pericardial, Pleural and Peritoneal membranes, resulting in fibrous thickening of the serous membranes and sometimes constrictive pericarditis. There are various causes of polyserositis which include autoimmune diseases, neoplasia, endocrine diseases, drug � related causes and infectious diseases such as tuberculosis. Polyserositis in disseminated TB is a very rare presentation. Diagnosis is often delayed due to the non-specific presentation like polyserositis and its unusual nature. We herewith report a rare case of TB polyserositis, involving pleura, pericardium and peritoneum.

Esquema antituberculoso modificado por hepatotoxicidad causada por Pirazinamida: reporte de caso

Introducción: La tuberculosis es una de las 10 principales causas de muerte a nivel mundial. En 2020, causó 1,5 millones muertes. Se estima que llegó a 10,0 millones de nuevos casos durante el mismo año. Reporte de caso: varón de 93 años, antecedente de TBC pulmonar hace 15 años y contacto TBC actual. Presenta disnea y dolor pleurítico por 4 meses. Toracocentesis concluye exudado, biopsia pleural compatible con pleuritis granulomatosa no caseificante. Recibe esquema antituberculoso, desarrollando RAFA hepática. Se realiza reto farmacológico para diseñar un nuevo esquema de tratamiento. Paciente logra recuperarse. Se concluye que el manejo de tuberculosis debe individualizarse según paciente.

Introduction: Tuberculosis is one of the 10 leading causes of death worldwide. In 2020, it caused 1.5 million deaths. It is estimated that it reached 10.0 million new cases during the same year. Case of report: 93-year-old male, history of pulmonary TB 15 years ago and current TB contact. He presented dyspnea and pleuritic pain for 4 months. Thoracocentesis concludes exudate, pleural biopsy compatible with non-caseating granulomatous pleurisy. Receive antituberculosis regimen, developing hepatic RAFA. Pharmacological challenge is performed to design a new treatment scheme. Patient manages to recover. It is concluded that the management of tuberculosis should be individualized.

Thymoma: A rare presentation as recurrent pericardial effusion

Recurrent pericardial effusion is always complicated for the primary care physician to diagnose, and it often goes undiagnosed. Thymoma is rare cancer, but it is the most common tumor in the anterior mediastinum. It can present in a variety of ways; it can be asymptomatic for an extended period of time and only rarely as pericardial effusion. A 68‑year‑old male presented to us with two episodes of pericardial effusion in the previous 2 years and was later diagnosed with thymoma.

Deep learning for diagnosis of malign pleural effusion on computed tomography images

Abstract Background The pleura is a serous membrane that surrounds the lungs. The visceral surface secretes fluid into the serous cavity and the parietal surface ensures a regular absorption of this fluid. If this balance is disturbed, fluid accumulation occurs in the pleural space called "Pleural Effusion". Today, accurate diagnosis of pleural diseases is becoming more critical, as advances in treatment protocols have contributed positively to prognosis. Our aim is to perform computer-aided numerical analysis of Computed Tomography (CT) images from patients showing pleural effusion images on CT and to examine the prediction of malignant/benign distinction using deep learning by comparing with the cytology results. Methods The authors classified 408 CT images from 64 patients whose etiology of pleural effusion was investigated using the deep learning method. 378 of the images were used for the training of the system; 15 malignant and 15 benign CT images, which were not included in the training group, were used as the test. Results Among the 30 test images evaluated in the system; 14 of 15 malignant patients and 13 of 15 benign patients were estimated with correct diagnosis (PPD: 93.3%, NPD: 86.67%, Sensitivity: 87.5%, Specificity: 92.86%). Conclusion Advances in computer-aided diagnostic analysis of CT images and obtaining a pre-diagnosis of pleural fluid may reduce the need for interventional procedures by guiding physicians about which patients may have malignancies. Thus, it is cost and time-saving in patient management, allowing earlier diagnosis and treatment.

Transthoracic Color Doppler Ultrasound-Guided Grooved Negative Pressure Drainage Tube Implantation in Pericardial Effusion After Cardiac Surgery

ABSTRACT Introduction: Pericardial effusion is a common complication without a standard postoperative effusion treatment after cardiac surgery. The grooved negative pressure drainage tube has many advantages as the emerging alternative for drainage of pericardial effusion, such as it changes the structure of the traditional side hole, uses the capillary function to ensure drainage smooth, etc. The purpose of this study was to assess the feasibility and effectiveness of transthoracic color Doppler ultrasound-guided grooved negative pressure drainage tube implantation in pericardial effusion after cardiac surgery. Methods: All patients with pericardial effusion after cardiac surgery who underwent transthoracic color Doppler ultrasound-guided grooved negative pressure drainage tube implantation between January 2019 and December 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. Treatment results (including clinical symptoms, effusion volume, color Doppler ultrasonography, and computed tomography scan) were investigated to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of this method. Results: A total of 20 patients successfully underwent transthoracic color Doppler ultrasound-guided grooved negative pressure drainage tube implantation. After the operation, their symptoms (chest tightness, shortness of breath, etc.) were all relieved, and dark red or light red drainage fluid (> 200 ml) appeared in the newly placed drainage bottle. Color Doppler ultrasonography showed that the volume of pericardial effusion decreased significantly. Conclusion: The transthoracic color Doppler ultrasound-guided grooved negative pressure drainage tube is a safe and effective method for the treatment of postoperative pericardial effusion with less trauma, faster recovery, shorter in-hospital stay, and fewer complications.

Quilotórax congénito en un recién nacido pretérmino extremo

Introducción: El quilotórax congénito es una rara afección respiratoria, sin embargo, es la causa más frecuente de derrame pleural en recién nacidos vivos. Objetivo: Presentar un caso de quilotórax congénito como causa infrecuente de distrés respiratorio en un recién nacido atendido en el Hospital Gineco-Obstétrico de Villa Clara. Caso clínico: Paciente masculino, que nació a las 26,2 semanas de edad gestacional, por parto eutócico, con tiempo de rotura de membranas de una hora, líquido amniótico meconial, otorgándose una puntuación de Apgar 7/8 (normal) y peso al nacer de 950 gramos; con diagnóstico de sepsis connatal fue necesario tratar con ventilación mecánica. A los seis días de vida presentó un deterioro clínico, con disminución del murmullo vesicular en el hemitórax derecho y en la radiografía de tórax se observó un pulmón derecho velado. El ultrasonido torácico confirmó el diagnóstico de derrame pleural derecho que fue puncionado y el estudio del líquido drenado mostró características propias del quilotórax. Se le indicó tratamiento conservador (con alimentación parenteral completa: traximín sin aporte lipídico) y luego con leche rica en ácidos grasos de cadenas corta y media (Enfaport® de la firma Nestlé). Se incorporó la leche materna a los 15 días del diagnóstico. Requirió ventilación mecánica prolongada. Con una evolución satisfactoria es egresado del centro hospitalario. Conclusiones: Se logró la resolución de esta enfermedad a través del tratamiento conservador, sin la presencia de recidiva.

Introduction: Congenital chylothorax is a rare respiratory disease; however, it is the most common cause of pleural effusion in live newborns. Objective: To present a case of congenital chylothorax as an uncommon cause of respiratory distress in a newborn treated at the Gyneco-Obstetric Hospital of Villa Clara. Case report: Male patient, who was born at 26.2 weeks of gestational age, by eutocic delivery, with membrane time rupture of an hour, meconium amniotic fluid, to whom was given an Apgar score of 7/8 (normal) and a birth weight of 950 grams; with diagnose of connatal sepsis was necessary to treat with mechanical ventilation. At six days of age presented a clinical deterioration, with decrease of the vesicular murmur in the right hemithorax and at chest X-ray was observed a veiled right lung. The chest ultrasound confirmed a right pleural effusion that was punctured and the study of the drained fluid showed characteristics of a chylothorax. Conservative treatment was indicated (with complete parenteral feeding: traximin without lipid intake) and subsequently with milk rich in short and medium chain fatty acids (Enfaport® from Nestlé Company). Breastmilk was incorporated 15 days after the diagnose. He required prolonged mechanical ventilation. With a satisfactory evolution, he was discharged from the hospital center. Conclusions: The resolution of this entity is achieved through conservative treatment, without the presence of recurrence.

A Simple Modified Technique of Pleuropericardial Window: Towards 0% Recurrence

ABSTRACT Recurrent pericardial effusion is commonly encountered in neoplastic and infective disorders. Intervention is compulsory in patients with unstable hemodynamics and tamponading effusion. Surgical options include: pericardiocentesis, subxiphoid pericardiostomy, and pericardial window. The latter has proved to have lower incidence of recurrence; however, the technique has been continuously refined to improve the recurrence-free survival and decrease postoperative morbidity. We herein present a novel simple modification to minimize recurrence by anchoring the free edges of pericardial fenestration overlying the superior vena cava and right atrium to the chest wall. Follow-up showed no recurrence compared to 3.5% in the conventional procedure.

Janelas Pericárdicas: O Valor Limitado do Diagnóstico da Biópsia Pericárdica não Guiada / Pericardial Windows: The Limited Diagnostic Value of Non-Targeted Pericardial Biopsy

Resumo Fundamento A janela pericárdica, além de promover a drenagem pericárdica, também pode fornecer amostras do pericárdio para exame anatomopatológico. No entanto, a contribuição dessas biópsias para a elucidação da etiologia do derrame pericárdico tem sido debatida. Objetivo Analisar o valor diagnóstico da biópsia pericárdica não guiada obtida de procedimentos de janela pericárdica. Métodos Foram revisados retrospectivamente dados de 80 pacientes submetidos a biópsia pericárdica parietal de 2011 a 2020. A significância estatística foi considerada quando p < 0,05. Resultados Cinquenta pacientes eram do sexo masculino (62,5%) e 30 do sexo feminino (37,5%). A mediana de idade foi de 52 anos (intervalo interquartil: 29 a 59) e 49 anos (intervalo interquartil: 38 a 65), respectivamente (p = 0,724). A etiologia suspeita do derrame pericárdico foi neoplásica em 31,3%, incerta em 25%, tuberculose em 15%, autoimune em 12,5%, síndrome edemigênica em 7,5% e outras condições diversas em 8,8%. A abordagem mais frequente para drenagem pericárdica e biópsia foi a subxifoide (74%), seguida pela videotoracoscopia (22%). Em 78,8% das biópsias, os achados histopatológicos foram compatíveis com inflamação inespecífica, e apenas 13,7% de todas as biópsias produziram um diagnóstico histopatológico conclusivo. Aqueles que sofriam de câncer e derrame pericárdico apresentaram maior proporção de achados histopatológicos conclusivos (32% apresentavam infiltração neoplásica pericárdica). A taxa de mortalidade hospitalar foi de 27,5% e 54,5% dos pacientes que morreram no hospital tinham câncer. Nenhuma morte foi atribuída ao tamponamento cardíaco ou ao procedimento de drenagem. Conclusão Nossos resultados mostraram que a janela pericárdica é um procedimento seguro, mas teve pouco valor para esclarecer a etiologia do derrame pericárdico e nenhum impacto na terapia planejada para o diagnóstico primário além da descompressão cardíaca.

Abstract Background Pericardial window, in addition to promoting pericardial drainage, can also provide samples of the pericardium for anatomopathological examination. However, such biopsies' contribution to clarifying the etiology of pericardial effusion has been debated. Objective To analyze the diagnostic value of non-targeted pericardial biopsy obtained from pericardial window procedures. Methods Data from 80 patients who had undergone parietal pericardial biopsies from 2011 to 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. Statistical significance was considered if p < 0.05. Results Fifty patients were male (62.5%,) and 30 were female (37.5%). The median age was 52 years (interquartile range: 29 to 59) and 49 years (interquartile range: 38 to 65), respectively (p = 0.724). The suspected etiology of pericardial effusion was neoplastic in 31.3%, unclear in 25%, tuberculosis in 15%, autoimmune in 12.5%, edemagenic syndrome in 7.5%, and other miscellaneous conditions in 8.8%. The most frequent approach for pericardial drainage and biopsy was subxiphoid (74%), followed by video-assisted thoracoscopy (22%). Overall, in 78.8% of the biopsies, the histopathologic findings were compatible with nonspecific inflammation, and only 13.7% of all biopsies yielded a conclusive histopathological diagnostic. Those suffering from cancer and pericardial effusion had a higher proportion of conclusive histopathologic findings (32% had pericardial neoplastic infiltration). The hospital mortality rate was 27.5%, and 54.5% of the patients who died in the hospital had cancer. No deaths were attributed to cardiac tamponade or the drainage procedure. Conclusion Our results showed that pericardial window is a safe procedure, but it had little value to clarify the pericardial effusion etiology and no impact on the planned therapy for the primary diagnosis besides the cardiac decompression.