Chronic idiopathic pericardial effusion.

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Abstract
Two patients with chronic idiopathic pericardial effusion have been described. A radioactive scanning technique has been used to show the pericardial fluid in both cases, and the technique is recommended as a safe, reliable method for the demonstration of large pericardial effusions. Pleuro-pericardial fenestrations have relieved the symptoms of both patients, and there has been no recurrence of the pericardial fluid, A pericardial biopsy specimen has been taken at operation in both cases, and chronic non-specific pericarditis has been found. Possible factors in the etiology of chronic idiopathic pericardial effusion have been discussed. No evidence of auto-immune pathology could be demonstrated in the present cases The 1st patient has hypertension and the association of hypertension with chronic pericardial effusion of unknown etiology was reported previously. The nature of the relationship remains obscure. The 2nd patient is an example of cholesterol pericarditis of unknown etiology, and extensive lipid studie? on the serum and the pericardial fluid are reported. This patient has a previous history of chorea and a. possible mechanism by which the chorea may be involved in the pathogenesis of the chronic effusion is suggested.