Cardiac tamponade as the initial symptom of lung cancer

Abstract

We report a case of a 55 year-old woman in whom cardiac tamponade was first symptom of lung cancer. The pericardium is involved in about 12% of patients with malignant disease. Cardiac tamponade is life-threatening situation. In our case diagnosis was made on clinical symptoms and echocardiography. Only urgent pericardiocentesis performed under echocardiograhic guidance can save patient’s life. In described case final diagnosis was made on histological examination. We should take into the consideration lung cancer in differentiation causes of cardiac tamponade.
Kardiol Pol 2011; 69, 5: 482–485