A 31 year-old female with recurrent pericardial effusion. Diagnostic and therapeutic difficulties

Abstract

We present a case of a 31 year-old female with recurrent pericarditis. Despite pharmacological treatment with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, steroids, diuretics and antibiotics the symptoms of cardiac tamponade occurred. The patient required pericardiocentesis with pericardial drainage. In about 30% of cases the specific etiology it ts not detecting using the routine tests.
Kardiol Pol 2010; 68, 6: 687–693