Malignant pericardial effusion secondary to ovarian adenocarcinoma: a case report.
BACKGROUND
The treatment for ovarian cancer has continued to improve, resulting in disease recurrence associated with previously unusual locations. However, there are still very few documented cases involving treatment for ovarian cancer metastatic to the pericardium.


METHODS
A 46-year-old woman was diagnosed with and treated for primary ovarian cancer in 1999. She underwent optimal cytoreductive surgery and received adjuvant chemotherapy. In 2003 she developed ovarian cancer metastatic to the breast and was treated with additional chemotherapy. In 2005 she presented with a malignant pericardial and pleural effusions, which were treated with a thoracotomy and pericardial window. The pericardial effusion recurred and was then successfully treated with intrapericardial mitoxantrone.


CONCLUSIONS
There are a limited number of reported cases involving malignant pericardial effusions originating in an ovarian primary. Consequently, there is even less information documenting successful management of this disease. Thoracotomy, pericardial window and intrapericardial mitoxantrone instillation appear to constitute effective treatment.
Micha
John P
JP
Gynecologic Oncology Associates, Hoag Cancer Center, Newport Beach, CA 92663, USA. bram@gynoncology.com
Goldstein
Bram H
BH
Zusman
Douglas
D
Rettenmaier
Mark A
MA
Epstein
Howard D
HD
Brown
John V
JV
D000230:Adenocarcinoma / Q000150:complications / Q000556:secondary* / Q000628:therapy; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D006338:Heart Neoplasms / Q000556:secondary*; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D008942:Mitoxantrone / Q000627:therapeutic use; D010051:Ovarian Neoplasms / Q000150:complications / Q000473:pathology* / Q000628:therapy; D010490:Pericardial Effusion / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy; D010491:Pericardial Window Techniques; D010496:Pericardium; D013908:Thoracotomy; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D008942:Mitoxantrone