Acute pericarditis with a symptomatic pericardial effusion complicating pregnancy. A case report

A 30-year-old, white woman, gravida 4, para 2, abortus 1, was hospitalized at 21 weeks' gestation because of a symptomatic pericardial effusion. Extensive evaluation including pericardial biopsy failed to reveal a specific cause. Treatment with pericardiotomy and intrapericardial hydrocortisone was followed by relief of symptoms. The remainder of the pregnancy was uneventful. Idiopathic pericardial effusion in pregnancy is a rare problem, and the proper approach to evaluation and treatment is not known. We present an approach that resulted in a favorable outcome.