Research Information System
SANAMED MEDICAL JOURNAL, vol.15, no.2, pp.169-172, 2020 (Peer-Reviewed Journal)
Abstract: Introduction: Although tamponade due
to pericardial effusion that develops in advanced stage
lung cancer is rare, it is a life threatening complication.
Case report: 59 and 72 years old 2 female patients diagnosed
with cardiac tamponade were hospitalized in
Cardiology Clinic of Balækesir State Hospital. Massive
pericardial effusion that caused diastolic collapse of
right ventricle was detected in their echocardiographies.
Inoperable lung cancer was diagnosed as a result of
bronchoscopy performed due to pathologies observed
in their radiograms. Despite repeated pericardiocentesis,
fluid continued to accumulate rapidly. Hence, pericardioperitoneal
window was formed through subxifoid
route to obtain continuous drainage in both patients.
Significant pericardial effusion didn’t develop in echocardiographies
in the 2nd and the 6th month post-operative
follow-ups. Conclusion: Subxiphoid pericardioperitoneal
window is a simple, safe and effective surgical
procedure. It may be performed in some patients
with malignant tamponade.
Key words: Pericardioperitoneal window, lung
cancer, pericardial tamponade