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Malignant pericardial effusion with cardiac tamponade in ovarian adenocarcinoma

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Abstract

Background

Malignant pericardial effusion with cardiac tamponade is an uncommon metastatic manifestation of gynecologic cancers. We describe a patient with ovarian cancer who developed pericardial effusion with cardiac tamponade and was successfully treated with pericardiocentesis and intrapericardial instillation of thiotepa.

Case

A 52-year-old woman with stage IV ovarian adenocarcinoma presented with worsening cough, dyspnea, and fatigue. Chest X-ray and echocardiogram confirmed the presence of pericardial effusion with cardiac tamponade. Pericardial fluid cytology revealed adenocarcinoma. Treatment consisted of pericardiocentesis with thiotepa sclerotherapy. She survived 12 months post-therapy without recurrent pericardial tamponade.

Conclusion

Patients with gynecologic cancers may develop a pericardial effusion with cardiac tamponade. Malignant pericardial effusion should be included in the differential diagnosis in patients with recurrent ovarian cancer who present with cardiac tamponade.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA

    Emily E. Petersen

  2. Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, 200 Hawkins Drive, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA

    Alireza A. Shamshirsaz & Michael J. Goodheart

  3. Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA

    Theresa M. Brennan & Elaine M. Demetroulis

Authors
  1. Emily E. Petersen
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  2. Alireza A. Shamshirsaz
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  3. Theresa M. Brennan
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  4. Elaine M. Demetroulis
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  5. Michael J. Goodheart
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Michael J. Goodheart.

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Petersen, E.E., Shamshirsaz, A.A., Brennan, T.M. et al. Malignant pericardial effusion with cardiac tamponade in ovarian adenocarcinoma. Arch Gynecol Obstet 280, 675–678 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00404-009-0976-5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00404-009-0976-5

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