Pericarditis/pericardial effusion (PC/PEEF) is a rare but fatal complication of cytosine arabinoside (Ara-C). We report an acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patient who developed massive pericardial effusion after a second Ara-C exposure. As Ara-C was most beneficial in controlling the leukemia, she was treated with a further cycle of Ara-C along with dexamethasone to prevent the complication from reoccurring. No PC/PEEF was subsequently detected.
Background. A Percutaneous Balloon Pericardiotomy (PBP) procedure is a reemerging nonsurgical technique that helps in preventing the reaccumulation of pericardial effusion. It is done percutaneously without general anaesthesia. It has been proved to be effective in alleviating and preventing recurrent pericardial effusion. Case Presentation. We reported a 52-year-old male with stage IV adenocarcinoma causing recurrent pericardial effusion. The patient experienced a worsening shortness of breath. A surgical pericardial window was denied by the surgery team secondary to severe respiratory distress; subsequently, the patient underwent Percutaneous Balloon Pericardiotomy. Conclusion. Percutaneous Balloon Pericardiotomy is efficacious and safe when done by well-trained physicians. We think it should be considered as a preferred treatment modality in most sicker patients with recurrent pericardial effusion.
Sustained response of malignant pericardial effusion to intrapericardial bevacizumab in an advanced lung cancer patient: a case report and literature review
