Acute renal failure as the presenting symptom of pericardial effusion

Pericardial effusion from any cause may lead to decreased cardiac output and blood pressure, causing heart failure and reduced renal blood flow. Although pericardial effusion is not uncommon, it is usually not associated with hemodynamic compromise unless the effusion causes cardiac tamponade. Acute renal failure resulting from pericardial effusion is surprisingly rare, with only six cases described to date. We describe the first case known to us of pericardial effusion without tamponade causing acute anuric renal failure. The case was characterized initially by non-specific symptoms and signs; anuria dominated the clinical picture, and was completely reversed after pericardiocentesis.