[Value of pericardial biopsy in the etiologic diagnosis of pericardial diseases].
OBJECTIVE
To determine the value of pericardial biopsy as a complementary exam in the etiology of pericardial effusion.


METHODS
We analyzed retrospectively (from 1990 to 1997) 38 patients with pericardial effusion. The age ranged between 3 months and 79 years (mean 41.15 +/- 21.78 years). Pericardial biopsy was performed in all cases through a subxiphoid incision.


RESULTS
In 4 patients (10.5%) the biopsy was able to define etiology, 2 had tuberculosis and 2 neoplasias (1 undetermined adenocarcinoma, 1 mesotelioma). In 34 patients the biopsy showed non-specific chronic pericarditis.


CONCLUSIONS
Pericardial biopsy was not an effective method to determine the etiological diagnosis in pericardial effusion patients. We believe that we have to individualize the indication of pericardial biopsy especially if tuberculosis or neoplasia are suspected.
Instituto do Coração, Hospital das Clínicas, FMUSP.
F
F
Fernandes
B M
BM
Ianni
E
E
Arteaga
L
L
Benvenutti
C
C
Mady
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001706:Biopsy; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D002908:Chronic Disease; D005260:Female; D006338:Heart Neoplasms / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019152:Paracentesis; D010490:Pericardial Effusion / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology; D010495:Pericarditis, Tuberculous / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity