Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma presenting as malignant pericardial effusion and cardiac tamponade

A case of malignant lymphoma, Rappaport histiocytic type, in which the initial clinical presentation was malignant pericardial effusion with cardiac tamponade is presented. The pathogenesis of malignant pericardial effusion is discussed, and the value of cytology in the diagnosis of malignant pericardial effusion is emphasized.