Pericardial Effusion-Associated Hyponatremia

Hyponatremia in patients with symptomatic pericardial effusion.

BACKGROUND Hyponatremia is related to cardiac tamponade in isolated case reports. However, the incidence of hyponatremia in patients with cardiac tamponade is still undetermined. METHODS In a tertiary referral medical center, patients who presented with cardiac tamponade necessitating evacuation of pericardial effusion were included. Medical records were reviewed for the diagnosis of effusion...

Massive pericardial effusion associated with hypothyroidism.

The diagnosis of hypothyroidism is difficult because hypothyroidism in adults and especially the elderly, classic, has an insidious onset with a range of nonspecific symptoms which may delay diagnosis for months or even years. Old age seems to represent trigger factor for autoimmune diseases, including hypothyroidism. Clinical features in hypothyroidism, such as weight gain, fatigue, cold intol...

Pericardial effusion associated with asbestos exposure.

The case history is presented of a 60 year old man who developed a pericardial effusion. Chest radiography showed pleural thickening and calcification. Pericardiotomy was performed and revealed nonspecific inflammatory lesions. Occupational exposure to asbestos and exclusion of other causes led to the diagnosis of benign asbestos pericardial effusion.

Pericardial effusion.

Chronic Pericardial Effusion

P ERICARDIAL effusion is relatively common in tropical Africa, and because of the prevalence of tuberculosis in such developing countries most large sterile pericardial effusions are frequently regarded as tubereulous unless proof to the contrary is forthcoming. With the recent introduction of chemotherapy such a diagnosis demands the long-term exhibition of antituberculous drugs. It has been k...