Haemopericardium as a late complication in anticoagulant therapy following mitral valve replacement

Two patients, who suffered from pericardial tamponade in the course of prophylactic anticoagulant treatment, are reported. The mitral valve had been replaced by a prosthesis in both cases. The diagnosis was suspected clinically and radiologically and proven by pericardiocentesis. One of the patients was treated by a percutaneously inserted small polyethylene tube for continous drainage and the other by thoracotomy and partial pericardiectomy. Both patients recovered and are at present asymptomatic. Th mechanism of bleeding patients receiving anticoagulant therapy is briefly discussed.