Pericardiocentesis and systemic cytotoxic chemotherapy in the management of cardiac tamponade secondary to disseminated breast carcinoma.
Three patients with cardiac tamponade secondary to disseminated breast carcinoma were treated by pericardiocentesis followed by systemic cytotoxic chemotherapy. This approach controlled pericardial effusion in all the patients and extended their survival.
Department of Radiotherapy and Oncology, Plymouth General Hospital, Devon.
S
S
Ramakrishnan
A J
AJ
Marshall
J G
JG
Pickard
C J
CJ
Tyrrell
D000368:Aged; D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy; D002305:Cardiac Tamponade / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D010490:Pericardial Effusion / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D013396:Suction