AN UNUSUAL CASE OF MASSIVE PERICARDIAL EFFUSION WITH HEMODYNAMIC STUDIES

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Abstract
Clinical and hemodynamic observations are reported on a patient with (a) massive pericardial effusion of 15 months'' duration, and (b) central circulatory failure. Three pericardial asplrations in 3 weeks yielded a total of more than 5000 cc. of pericardial fluid. On one occasion 1910 cc. were removed. Temporary symptomatic improvement occurred after each pericardial tap. Pericardiectomy revealcd chronic inflammatory disease of unspecified cause, and was followed by remark- able clinical improvement. The results of preoperative and postoperative cardiac catheterization are presented. The pathogenesis of the associated hemodynamic abnormalities is discussed, and certain differences from changes seen in cases of chronic constrictive pericarditis are described.