[Cardiac tamponade in malignant tumors]

Among 40 patients with cardiac tamponade observed over the years 1972--1978, 23 (57.5%) had a neoplasm as primary cause of illness. The most common etiology was bronchial carcinoma (13). In 9 cases cardiac tamponade was the first clinical symptom of the tumor. Evacuation of the pericardial fluid by puncture (3), surgical drainage (6) and left parasternal insertion of a plastic catheter (12) brought rapid relief from symptoms in all cases. Six patients survived 3--6 months, while another two have now been followed up for over 5 years. Diagnostic problems and therapeutic possibilities in malignant pericarditis are discussed.