Radiation-induced pericardial disease: a case report

A typical case of chronic pericardial effusion resulting in cardiac tamponade is presented. A pericardiocentesis was done for diagnosis and drainage, followed by a pleuro-pericardial window as definitive therapy. The minimal cumulative dose expected to produce pericardial disease is about 4000 rads, and the disease usually manifests within 12 months of such radiation exposure, as in this patient. It is concluded that for symptomatic pericardial effusions, available evidence justifies a subtotal pericardiectomy, a window procedure being reserved to tide over ill patients as in this patient. No strong evidence exists for the efficacy of steroid therapy; such therapy is reserved for asymptomatic mild effusions, which may also resolve spontaneously.