Very large pericardial effusion attributable to minoxidil: resolution without drainage of fluid.
A 52-year-old man with a history of chronic hypertension presented with worsening dyspnea and leg edema. He had been on minoxidil for 10 years. The cardiac silhouette was markedly enlarged. Echocardiography and computed tomography showed a large pericardial effusion. His cardiac status was stable and he was in no cardiorespiratory distress. No attempt was made to drain the fluid. Minoxidil was discontinued, and a month later, the effusion had virtually disappeared. Cessation of minoxidil administration and conservative management may suffice, even though the pericardial effusion is large.
D000959:Antihypertensive Agents / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008914:Minoxidil / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D010490:Pericardial Effusion / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000628:therapy
D000959:Antihypertensive Agents; D008914:Minoxidil