Pericardial Tamponade: A Manifestation of Pericardial Sac Sarcoma-A Case Report

Cardiac tamponade was manifested in a 30-year-old male with a 6-month history of fever and weight loss prior to admission. Cross-sectional echocardiography demonstrated huge pericardial effusion with a large mass in the posterior pericardial space. Pericardiocentesis revealed exudative fluid with no malignant cells. Surgery performed to determine the nature of the mass disclosed the mass originating from the posterior pericardium, invading the posterior pleural sac and adjacent structures. Histopathology identified spindle cell sarcoma. The preoperative diagnosis of the mass and its presenting features and nature are discussed. (ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY, Volume 13, May 1996)