Hemorrhagic pericardial effusion in beta-thalassemia major: report of a case
Chou, Y.H.; Chen, R.L.; Lin, K.H.; Lin, D.T.; Huang, P.H.
Journal of the Formosan Medical Association 90(9): 867-870
1991
ISSN/ISBN: 0929-6646 PMID: 1683390 Document Number: 375072
Although sterile pericardial effusion occurs in about half of the patients with massive iron overload, hemorrhagic pericardial effusion is rarely seen in beta-thalassemia major patients. A 10-year-old girl with beta-thalassemia major who was diagnosed in her early infancy developed a massive hemorrhagic pericardial effusion. She was receiving blood transfusions every 4-6 weeks without chelating therapy with an average hemoglobin (Hb) level of 6-9 g/dL. Progressive hepatospenomegaly was noted during the course. She had complained of orthopnea with palpitation and bilateral leg edema before admission. After evaluation, a massive pericardial effusion was found and pericardiocentesis was performed twice, which revealed a bloody and uncoagulable effusion. Finally a pericardial window was performed to eliminate the bloody effusion. Negative etiological evaluations of blood and pericardial effusion were reported. Pathological examination of the pericardial biopsy revealed hemosiderosis with a few lymphocytic infiltrates. We report this case for its rarity and its necessity for urgent treatment.