Late pericardial effusion and heart tamponade following heart surgery
Fehér, A.; Lengyel, M.
Orvosi Hetilap 129(10): 487-490
1988
ISSN/ISBN: 0030-6002 PMID: 3362537 Document Number: 315866
Echocardiography was carried out consecutively in 1000 patients on the 6-8th days postoperatively in order to detect pericardial effusion. A 15.8% frequency was found. Significant pericardial effusion was observed in 3.3%. Eighteen patients (1.4%) required reoperation. Relationship was studied between postoperative anticoagulant therapy and pericardial effusion. Of the 18 subjects reoperated, 17 recieved anticoagulant therapy and pericardial effusion was bloody. In the nonanticoagulant group no tamponade occurred. No connection was found between anticoagulant therapy and pericardial effusion but here was a relationship between anticoagulant treatment and late heart tamponade. The authors point out that echocardiography is indispensable if existence of pericardial effusion is suspect. If postoperative echocardiography is negative, further clinical signs may require repetition of the examination in order to exhibit dangerous complications. In case of positive postoperative screening echocardiogrpahic follow-up is necessary until pericardial effusion diminishes or disappears. There was no correlation between the severity of the clinical picture and the quantity of pericardial effusion.