title: [Pericardioscopy: techniques, indications and results. Apropos of an experience with 70 cases].
abstract: Pericardoscopy (PCS) is an original method of examination of the pericardial cavity. Its principle is derived from pleuroscopy and the apparatus is derived from mediastinoscopy. The main indication for this technique is the diagnosis of pericardial effusions. Sixty-five PCS were performed for this purpose, allowing an accurate etiological diagnosis in 35 cases. The etiological diagnosis was based on the clinical and paraclinical context in 4 other effusions, considered to be idiopathic after PCS. In 23 cases, the etiology remained uncertain, but a tuberculous or neoplastic etiology was ruled out after PCS. Three false negative results were obtained. Complete cleaning of the pericardial cavity allowed favorable immediate and mid a term outcome, avoiding possible constriction. Finally, PCS established the operability of two bronchial cancers, located in the hilar area and suspected of intrapericardial extension (PCS was performed in these cases in absence of pericardial effusion).
authors.affiliation: Clinique Chirurgicale Ouest (Chirurgie A), Hôpital Claude-Huriez, Lille.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Wurtz
authors.forename: J P
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Chambon
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Millaire
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Saudemont
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Ducloux
mesh_terms: D000208:Acute Disease; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001984:Bronchial Neoplasms / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D002908:Chronic Disease; D004322:Drainage; D004938:Esophageal Neoplasms / Q000150:complications; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008223:Lymphoma / Q000150:complications; D008297:Male; D008481:Mediastinoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D008875:Middle Aged; D010490:Pericardial Effusion / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery; D010493:Pericarditis / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D012008:Recurrence; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed
vernacular_title: La péricardoscopie: techniques, indications et résultats. A propos d'une expérience de soixante-dix cas.