[Postpericardiotomy syndrome as a cause of recurrent pleural effusion].
The postpericardiotomy syndrome occurs frequently after cardiac surgery, and shows a strong tendency to recur. It is characterized by febrile illness with an elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate, leucocytosis, and symptoms of pulmonary and pleuro-pericardial inflammation. Pleural effusion is a common manifestation of this syndrome, and is usually left-sided. We describe a patient who shows a periodic left-sided pleural effusion with an interval of 5 to 6 weeks 18 months after cardiac surgery. This is the first description of a 'cyclic' pleural effusion due to the postpericardiotomy syndrome. On the basis of this case report and the literature, we discuss the pathogenesis, therapy and clinical outcome of this syndrome.
Florijn
K W
KW
Afd. Inwendige Geneeskunde, Academisch Ziekenhuis Rotterdam-Dijkzigt.
Meeter
K
K
D000328:Adult; D001021:Aortic Valve / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D006331:Heart Diseases / Q000150:complications*; D006350:Heart Valve Prosthesis; D006801:Humans; D010996:Pleural Effusion / Q000209:etiology*; D011185:Postpericardiotomy Syndrome / Q000150:complications*; D012008:Recurrence
Het postpericardiotomiesyndroom als oorzaak van recidiverend pleuravocht.