Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 19, 2026

Cardiac Magnetic Resonance for the Evaluation of Suspected Cardiac Thrombus: Conventional and Emerging Techniques
Published on: June 11, 2019
Malignancy with unknown primary presenting as acute cardiac tamponade: a case report
Edward J Banham-Hall1, Awais M Bokhari
1Department of Acute Medicine, Ipswich Hospital NHS Trust, Heath Road, Ipswich IP4 5PD, UK. e.banham-hall@doctors.org.uk
Abstract:
A case report of a patient presenting in cardiac tamponade that was subsequently diagnosed as being secondary to malignancy of unknown primary. The patient was treated by urgent pericardiocentesis, followed by subsequent formation of a subxiphoid pericardial window. He was discharged home and given palliative chemotherapy. Malignant pericardial effusions are common, but it is rare for a patient to present in cardiac tamponade as the presenting feature of an unidentified malignancy. The causes, diagnosis and treatment of cardiac tamponade are discussed.
Related Concept Videos
Introduction Cardiac Emergencies
Acute Coronary Syndrome I: Introduction
Acute Coronary Syndrome V: Nursing Management
Cardiomyopathy I: Introduction and Classification
Acute Coronary Syndrome II: Pathophysiology and Clinical Manifestations
Pericarditis III: Medical Management