[Cardiac tamponade due to pericardial metastasis (author's transl)]

A case of pericardial tamponade secondary to pericardial metastases of bronchogenic carcinoma in a young male is presented. The diagnostic studies are reviewed, specially the cytologic study of pericardial fluid. The fact that malignant tumors of the lung are the more frequent invaders to the heart is emphasized, with different clinical presentations regarding the involved site. The lymphatic pathways of the heart are reviewed, explaining the formation of hemorrhagic fluid inside the pericardial sac. Although this type of pathology is relatively rare as a cause of pericardial tamponade, this possibility should be kept in mind in order to make an early diagnosis.