Subxyphoid Pericardial Drainage for Tuberculous Pericardial Effusion in Antananarivo

Introduction: Tuberculosis is the leading cause of pericardial effusion in sub-Saharan African countries. The aim of this study was to describe the diagnosis and the surgical management of tuberculous pericardial effusion in low-income country. Methods: This was a retrospective and descriptive study performed at Vascular Surgery Unit for 10 years-period (from January 2012 to December 2021), including all cases of drainage of pericardial effusion due to tuberculosis. Results: Sixty-seven cases were recorded, including 38 males (56.71%) and 29 women (43.28%). The average age was 35.47 years old. Patients lived in urban areas in 67.16% of cases. Thirteen patients (13.43%) had a previous history of pulmonary tuberculosis. The most common risk factors for tuberculosis infection were malnourishment (80.59%), indoor air pollution (77.61%) and close contact with tuberculosis patient (40.29%). The commonest symptom were dyspnea, (95.52%), chest pain (89.55%), fever (67.16%), tachycardia (95.52%) and cough (80.59%). Twenty-seven patients (39.02%) presented clinical signs of cardiac tamponade. Electrocardiogram showed sinus tachycardia (97.53%) with microvoltage (39.02%). Chest-X-ray showed cardiomegaly (100%) and pleural effusion (56.71%). Echocardiography showed moderate (43.28%) and large (56.71%) pericardial effusion. All patients underwent subxiphoid pericardial drainage. Mycobacterium tuberculosis detection via GeneXpert test of pericardial effusion were positive in 38.80% of patients. Pericardial biopsies confirmed the diagnosis of tuberculosis in 41.79%. The mortality rate was 8.95%. Conclusion: Subxiphoid pericardial drainage reduced thr risk of cardiac tamponade in patients with massive pericardial effusion. Histopathology of pericardial biopsies made a definitive diagnosis for tuberculosis.

In situ subtotal spleen resection combined with selective pericardial devascularization for the treatment of portal hypertension

BACKGROUND Hypersplenism and esophageal varices bleeding are the major complications of portal hypertension(PHT).In recent years,increasing attention has been given to spleen preservation operations.The mode and long-term effects of subtotal splenectomy and selective pericardial devascularization for PHT remain controversial.AIM To investigate the clinical efficacy and safety of subtotal splenectomy combined with selective pericardial devascularization for the treatment of PHT.METHODS This was a retrospective study of 15 patients with PHT who underwent subtotal splenectomy not preserving the splenic artery or vein combined with selective pericardial devascularization in the Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery,Qilu Hospital of Shandong University from February 2011 to April 2022.Fifteen propensity score-matched patients with PHT who underwent total splenectomy at the same time served as the control group.The patients were followed for up to 11 years after surgery.We compared the postoperative platelet levels,perioperative splenic vein thrombosis,and serum immunoglobulin levels between the two groups.Abdominal enhanced computed tomography was used to evaluate the blood supply and function of the residual spleen.The operation time,intraoperative blood loss,evacuation time,and hospital stay were compared between the two groups.RESULTS The postoperative platelet level of patients in the subtotal splenectomy group was significantly lower than that in the total splenectomy group(P<0.05),and the postoperative portal system thrombosis rate in the subtotal splenectomy group was also much lower than that in the total splenectomy group.The levels of serum immunoglobulins(IgG,IgA,and IgM)showed no significant differences after surgery compared with before surgery in the subtotal splenectomy group(P>0.05),but serum immunoglobulin IgG and IgM levels decreased dramatically after total splenectomy(P<0.05).The operation time in the subtotal splenectomy group was longer than that in the total splenectomy group(P<0.05),but there were no significant differences in the amount of intraoperative blood loss,evacuation time,or hospital stay between the two groups.CONCLUSION Subtotal splenectomy not preserving the splenic artery or vein combined with selective pericardial devascularization is a safe and effective surgical treatment for patients with PHT,not only correcting hypersplenism but also preserving splenic function,especially immunological function.

Prognosis after splenectomy plus pericardial devascularization vs transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt for esophagogastric variceal bleeding

BACKGROUND Portal hypertension combined with esophagogastric variceal bleeding(EGVB)is a serious complication in patients with hepatitis B virus(HBV)-related cirrhosis in China.Splenectomy plus pericardial devascularization(SPD)and transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt(TIPS)are effective treatments for EGVB.However,a comparison of the effectiveness and safety of those methods is lacking.AIM To compare the prognosis after SPD vs TIPS for acute EGVB after failure of endoscopic therapy or secondary prophylaxis of variceal rebleeding(VRB)in patients with HBV-related cirrhosis combined with portal hypertension.METHODS This retrospective cohort study included 318 patients with HBV-related cirrhosis and EGVB who underwent SPD or TIPS at West China Hospital of Sichuan University during 2009-2013.Propensity score-matched analysis(PSM),the Kaplan-Meier method,and multivariate Cox regression analysis were used to compare overall survival,VRB rate,liver function abnormality rate,and hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)incidence between the two patient groups.RESULTS The median age was 45.0 years(n=318;226(71.1%)males).During a median follow-up duration of 43.0 mo,18(11.1%)and 33(21.2%)patients died in the SPD and TIPS groups,respectively.After PSM,SPD was significantly associated with better overall survival(OS)(P=0.01),lower rates of abnormal liver function(P<0.001),and a lower incidence of HCC(P=0.02)than TIPS.The VRB rate did not differ significantly between the two groups(P=0.09).CONCLUSION Compared with TIPS,SPD is associated with higher postoperative OS rates,lower rates of abnormal liver function and HCC,and better quality of survival as acute EGVB treatment after failed endoscopic therapy or as secondary prophylaxis of VRB in patients with HBV-related cirrhosis combined with portal hypertension.There is no significant between-group difference in VRB rates.

Iatrogenic pneumopericardium after therapeutic pericardiocentesis for pericardial effusion: a case report

Pneumopericardium refers to the presence of air inside the pericardial cavity,which is a rare entity that has been reported clinically.Toledo,et al.[1]classified the causes of pneumopericardium into four categories:iatrogenic,pericarditis,fistula formation between the pericardium and adjacent hollow organs,and trauma.

Hemorrhagic pericardial effusion following treatment with infliximab:A case report and literature review

BACKGROUND Infliximab(IFX)is an anti-tumor necrosis factor alpha(TNF-α)agent that is widely used for the management of a variety of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases,including Crohn's disease(CD).As a result of its increasing administration,new complications have emerged.Hemorrhagic pericardial effusion,secondary to IFX therapy,is a rare but life-threatening complication.CASE SUMMARY A 27-year-old man was diagnosed with CD(Montreal A2L3B1)6 years prior.After failing to respond to mesalazine and methylprednisolone,he took the first dose of IFX 300 mg based on his weight(60 kg,dose 5 mg/kg)on December 3,2018.He responded well to this therapy.However,on January 21,2019,1 wk after the third injection,he suddenly developed dyspnea,fever,and worsening weakness and was admitted to our hospital.On admission,computed tomography scan of the chest revealed a large pericardial effusion and a small rightside pleural effusion.An echocardiogram showed a large pericardial effusion and normal left ventricular function.Then successful ultrasound-guided pericardiocentesis was performed and 600 mL hemorrhagic fluid was drained.There was no evidence of infection and the concentrations of TNF-α,IFX,and anti-IFX antibody were 7.09 pg/mL(reference range<8.1 pg/mL),<0.4μg/mL(>1.0μg/mL),and 373 ng/mL(<30 ng/mL),respectively.As the IFX instruction manual for injection does mention pericardial effusion as a rare adverse reaction(≥1/10000,<1/1000),so we discontinued the IFX.Monitoring of the patient’s echocardiogram for 2 mo without IFX therapy showed no recurrence of hemorrhagic pericardial effusion.Follow-up visits and examinations every 3 to 6 mo until April 2021 showed no recurrence of CD or pericardial effusion.CONCLUSION This is a case of hemorrhagic pericardial effusion following treatment with IFX.It is a rare but life-threatening complication of IFX.Early recognition helps prevent the occurrence of hemorrhagic pericardial effusion and minimize the impact on the natural evolution of the disease.

Pericardial effusion with tamponade – an uncommon presentation leading to the diagnosis of eosinophilic granulomatosis polyangiitis: A case report

BACKGROUND Eosinophilic granulomatosis polyangiitis(EGPA)is a small vessel necrotizing vasculitis that commonly presents as peripheral eosinophilia and asthma;however,it can rarely manifest with cardiac involvement such as pericarditis and cardiac tamponade.Isolated pericardial tamponade presenting as the initial symptom of EGPA is exceedingly rare.Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are crucial to prevent life-threatening outcomes.CASE SUMMARY 52-year-old woman with no past medical history presented with progressive dyspnea and dry cough.On physical exam she had a pericardial friction rub and bilateral rales.Vital signs were notable for tachycardia at 119 beats per minute and hypoxia with 89%oxygen saturation.On laboratory exam,she had 45%peripheral eosinophilia,troponin elevation of 1.1 ng/mL and N-terminal prohormone of brain natriuretic peptide of 2101 pg/mL.TTE confirmed a large pericardial effusion and tamponade physiology.She underwent urgent pericardial window procedure.Pericardial and lung biopsy demonstrated eosinophilic infiltration.Based on the American College of Radiology guidelines,the patient was diagnosed with EGPA which manifested in its rare form of cardiac tamponade.She was treated with steroid taper and mepolizumab.CONCLUSION This case highlights that when isolated pericardial involvement occurs in EGPA,diagnosis is recognized by performing pericardial biopsy demonstrating histopathologic evidence of eosinophilic infiltration.

Primary malignant pericardial mesothelioma with difficult antemortem diagnosis:A case report

BACKGROUND Primary malignant pericardial mesothelioma(PMPM)is an extremely rare malignant tumor,and it is difficult to diagnose definitively before death.We present a case in which PMPM was diagnosed at autopsy.We consider this case to be highly suggestive and report it here.CASE SUMMARY A 78-year-old male presented with transient loss of consciousness and falls.The transient loss of consciousness was considered to result from complications of diastolic dysfunction due to pericardial disease,fever with dehydration,and paroxysmal atrial fibrillation.Ultrasound cardiography(UCG)and computed tomography showed cardiac enlargement and high-density pericardial effusion.We considered pericardial disease to be the main pathogenesis of this case.Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging and gadolinium contrast-enhanced T1-weighted images showed thick staining inside and outside the pericardium.Pericardial biopsy was considered to establish a definitive diagnosis,but the patient and his family refused further treatment and examinations,and the patient was followed conservatively.We noticed a thickening of the pericardium and massive changes in the pericardium on UCG over time.We performed an autopsy 60 h after the patient died of pneumonia.Giemsa staining of the autopsy tissue showed an epithelial-like arrangement in the pericardial tumor,and immunostaining showed positive and negative factors for the diagnosis of PMPM.Based on these findings,the final diagnosis of PMPM was made.CONCLUSION PMPM has a poor prognosis,and early diagnosis and treatment are important.The temporal echocardiographic findings may provide a clue for the diagnosis of PMPM.

Controlling malignant pericardial effusion by intrapericardial administration of recombinant mutant human tumor necrosis factor in patients with carcinoma

Objective: To evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of injecting recombinant mutant human tumor necrosis factor (rmhTNF) into pericardial cavity of carcinoma patients with malignant pericardial effusion. Methods: In 20 cases of malignant pericardial effusion, the intrapericardial catheter was inserted into pericardial cavity, and then rmhTNF of 1.5 × 107 U was infused. The infusion was repeated every 5-7 days with the total 4-6 times. If the effusion disappeared, rmhTNF was then used 2 more times and then the intrapericardial catheter was pulled out. Results: Of 20 patients, 14 were complete response (CR), 4 were partial response (PR) and 2 no change (NC). The disappearance of effusion in 6 cases lasted for more than 6 months. Conclusion: Injecting rmhTNF into pericardial cavity may be a better way to control malignant pericardial effusion and has mild side effects.

Pericardiocentesis with cisplatin for malignant pericardial effusion and tamponade

AIM:To evaluate the role and outcome of pericardiocentesis with intrapericardial cisplatin instillation for malignant pericardial effusion resulting from esophageal cancer. METHODS:We retrospectively studied 7 patients who underwent pericardiocentesis with intrapericardial cisplatin instillation for malignant pericardial effusion resulting from esophageal cancer.After pericardiocentesis,we performed catheterization of the pericardial space under ultrasonogram guidance.Malignant etiology of the pericardial fluid was confirmed by cytological examination.Subsequently,cisplatin(10 mg in 20 mL normal saline) was instilled into the pericardial space. RESULTS:The mean total volume of the aspirated effusion fluid was 782±264 mL(range,400-1200 mL) . The drainage catheter was successfully removed in all patients,and the mean duration of pericardial drainagewas 7.7±2.7 d(range,5-13 d) .No fluid reaccumulation was observed.Mean survival time was 120±71 d(range,68-268 d) . CONCLUSION:Pericardiocentesis along with catheter drainage appears to be a safe and effective for pericardial malignant effusion and tamponade,and cisplatin instillation prevents recurrence.

Diagnosis and management of pericardial effusion

Pericardial effusion is a common finding in everyday clinical practice.The first challenge to the clinician is to try to establish an etiologic diagnosis.Sometimes,the pericardial effusion can be easily related to a known underlying disease,such as acute myocardial infarction, cardiac surgery,end-stage renal disease or widespread metastatic neoplasm.When no obvious cause is apparent,some clinical findings can be useful to establish a diagnosis of probability.The presence of acute inflammatory signs(chest pain,fever,pericardial friction rub) is predictive for acute idiopathic pericarditis irrespective of the size of the effusion or the presence or absence of tamponade.Severe effusion with absence of inflammatory signs and absence of tamponade is predictive for chronic idiopathic pericardial effusion,and tamponade without inflammatory signs for neoplastic pericardial effusion.Epidemiologic considerations are very important,as in developed countries acute idiopathic pericarditis and idiopathic pericardial effusion are the most common etiologies,but in some underdeveloped geographic areas tuberculous pericarditis is the leading cause of pericardial effusion.The second point is the evaluation of the hemodynamic compromise caused by pericardial fluid.Cardiac tamponade is not an"all or none"phenomenon,but a syndrome with a continuum of severity ranging from an asymptomatic elevationof intrapericardial pressure detectable only through hemodynamic methods to a clinical tamponade recognized by the presence of dyspnea,tachycardia,jugular venous distension,pulsus paradoxus and in the more severe cases arterial hypotension and shock.In the middle,echocardiographic tamponade is recognized by the presence of cardiac chamber collapses and characteristic alterations in respiratory variations of mitral and tricuspid flow.Medical treatment of pericardial effusion is mainly dictated by the presence of inflammatory signs and by the underlying disease if present.Pericardial drainage is mandatory when clinical tamponade is present.In the absence of clinical tamponade,examination of the pericardial fluid is indicated when there is a clinical suspicion of purulent pericarditis and in patients with underlying neoplasia.Patients with chronic massive idiopathic pericardial effusion should also be submitted to pericardial drainage because of the risk of developing unexpected tamponade.The selection of the pericardial drainage procedure depends on the etiology of the effusion.Simple pericardiocentesis is usually sufficient in patients with acute idiopathic or viral pericarditis.Purulent pericarditis should be drained surgically,usually through subxiphoid pericardiotomy. Neoplastic pericardial effusion constitutes a more difficult challenge because reaccumulation of pericardial fluid is a concern.The therapeutic possibilities include extended indwelling pericardial catheter,percutaneous pericardiostomy and intrapericardial instillation of antineoplastic and sclerosing agents.Massive chronic idiopathic pericardial effusions do not respond to medical treatment and tend to recur after pericardiocentesis, so wide anterior pericardiectomy is finally necessary in many cases.

Evaluation of the effects of combined endoscopic variceal ligation and splenectomy with pericardial devascularization on esophageal varices

AIM: To detect the hemodynamic alterations in collateral circulation before and after combined endoscopic variceal ligation (EVL) and splenectomy with pericardial devascularization by ultrasonography, and to evaluate their effect using hemodynamic parameters. METHODS: Forty-three patients with esophageal varices received combined EVL and splenectomy with pericardial devascularization for variceal eradication. The esophageal vein structures and azygos blood flow (AZBF) were detected by endoscopic ultrasonography and color Doppler ultrasound. The recurrence and rebleeding of esophageal varices were followed up. RESULTS: Patients with moderate or severe varices in the esophageal wall and those with severe peri- esophageal collateral vein varices had improvements after treatment, while the percentage of patients with severe para-esophageal collateral vein varices decreased from 54.49% to 2.33%, and the percentage of patients with detectable perforating veins decreased from 79.07% to 4.65% (P < 0.01). Color Doppler flowmetry showed a significant decrease both in AZBF (43.00%, P < 0.05) and in diameter of the azygos vein (28.85%, P < 0.05), while the blood flow rate was unchanged. The recurrence rate of esophageal varices was 2.5% (1/40, mild), while no re-bleeding cases were recorded. CONCLUSION: EVL in combination with splenectomy with pericardial devascularization can block the collateral veins both inside and outside of the esophageal wall, and is more advantagious over splenectomy in combination with pericardial devascularization or EVL in preventing recurrence and re-bleeding of varices.

Corporoplasty with small soft axial prostheses （VIRILIS ） and bovine pericardial graft （HYDRIX） in Peyronie＇s disease

The surgical techniques used by Austoni and Egydio in the treatment of Peyronie＇s disease are based on geometric principles. The aim of this paper is to report our multicentric experience and technical changes to Austoni＇s original technique, focusing on several tips and tricks to make this technique easy to perform, even by less experienced practitioners. We performed operations in three different Italian institutions. We implanted a small soft Virilis I~ axial prostheses （Ф 7 Fr.）, using a bovine pericardium collagen matrix patch （Hydrix） to cover the defect in the tunica albuginea. Sixty patients with a mean age of 58 years （range 44-76 years） underwent surgery between September 2005 and January 2010. After surgery, mean lengthening of the shaft was 2 cm （range 1.2-2.3 cm） with complete correction of penile recurvatum. Thirty-nine patients resumed sexual activity 60 days later, 14 after 90 days and 7 after 120 days. The international index of erectile function （IIEF） score was 15.5 before surgery and it improved to 23 at 12 and 24 months after surgery. Furthermore, the visual analogue scale （VAS） showed good results in terms of the recovery of natural sexual intercourse （over 80% of couples） and of the original length and girth of the penis. The soft implant we used takes advantage of erection that occurs spontaneously, using the residual erection of the spared cavernous tissue. The method is easy to learn and reproducible, and the use of pericardium speeds up the operation, while also covering large defects of the tunica albuginea that result from complex recurvatum.

Correct diagnosis and successful treatment for pericardial effusion due to toothpick injury: A case report and literature review

We reported a 55-year-old man who suffered from chest pain and dyspnea on exertion for two weeks associated with night sweating, general malaise, poor appetite, and body weight loss. Physical examination revealed friction rub with distant heart sound, bilateral clear breathing sound, no abdomen tenderness, and normal bowel sound. Subsequent chest X-ray revealed cardiomegaly and cardiac echo showed massive pericardial and pleural effusion with normal left ventricular function. Constrictive pericarditis was diagnosed based on clinical information. Tuberculosis (TB), malignancy, autoimmune disease, infection, hypothyroidism, and idiopathic could be the causes but excluded by further study. High-resolution lung CT scan after reconstruction revealed a moderate amount pericardial effusion with possible superimposed infection. Thickness of pericardium and left lobe liver abscess were found. A straight tubular structure about 6 cm in length transverses the lateral segment of liver to pericardial space and unknown foreign body was suspected. Laparotomy was performed, 6.5 cm toothpick was found through the liver into pericardium. Post-operative course was uneventful and he discharged one week later. The patient could not remember swallowing the toothpick before. He had no chest pain and dyspnea on exertion during a 6-mo follow-up period.

Neoplastic pericardial disease: Old and current strategies for diagnosis and management

The prevalence of neoplastic pericardial diseases has changed over time and varies according to diagnostic methods. The diagnostic factor is usually the detection of neoplastic cells within the pericardial fluid or in specimens of pericardium, but the diagnosis may be difficult. Accurate sampling and cytopreparatory techniques, together with ancillary studies, including immunohistochemical tests and neoplastic marker dosage, are essential to obtain a reliable diagnosis. The goals of treatment may be simply to relieve symptoms (cardiac tamponade or dyspnea), to prevent recurrent effusion for a long-term symptomatic benefit, or to treat the local neoplastic disease with the aim of prolonging survival. Immediate relief of symptoms may be obtained with percutaneous drainage or with a surgical approach. For long term prevention of recurrences, various approaches have been proposed: extended drainage, pericardial window (surgical or percutaneous balloon pericardiostomy), sclerosing local therapy, local and/or systemic chemotherapy or radiation therapy (RT) (external or with intrapericardial radionuclides). The outcomes of various therapeutic approaches vary for different tumor types. Lymphoma and leukemias can be successfully treated with systemic chemotherapy; for solid tumors, percutaneous drainage and the use of systemic and/or localsclerosing and antineoplastic therapy seems to offer the best chance of success. The use of "pure" sclerosing agents has been replaced by agents with both sclerosing and antineoplastic activity (bleomycin or thiotepa), which seems to be quite effective in breast cancer, at least when associated with systemic chemotherapy. Local chemotherapy with platinum, mitoxantrone and other agents may lead to good local control of the disease, but the addition of systemic chemotherapy is probably relevant in order to prolong survival. The surgical approach (creation of a pericardial window, even with the mini-invasive method of balloon pericardiostomy) and RT may be useful in recurring effusions or in cases that are refractory to other therapeutic approaches.

Cardiac and pericardial tumors:A potential application of positron emission tomography-magnetic resonance imaging

Cardiac and pericardial masses may be neoplastic, benign and malignant, non-neoplastic such as thrombus or simple pericardial cysts, or normal variants cardiac structure can also be a diagnostic challenge. Currently, there are several imaging modalities for diagnosis of cardiac masses; each technique has its inherent advantages and disadvantages. Echocardiography, is typically the initial test utilizes in such cases, Echocardiography is considered the test of choice for evaluation and detection of cardiac mass, it is widely available, portable, with no ionizing radiation and provides comprehensive evaluation of cardiac function and valves, however, echocardiography is not very helpful in many cases such as evaluation of extracardiac extension of mass, poor tissue characterization, and it is non diagnostic in some cases. Cross sectional imaging with cardiac computed tomography provides a three dimensional data set with excellent spatial resolution but utilizes ionizing radiation, intravenous iodinated contrast and relatively limited functional evaluation of the heart. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging(CMR) has excellent contrast resolution that allows superior soft tissue characterization. CMR offers comprehensive evaluation of morphology, function, tissue characterization. The great benefits of CMR make CMR a highly useful tool in the assessment of cardiac masses.(Fluorine 18) fluorodeoxygluocse(FDG) positron emission tomography(PET) has become a corner stone in several oncological application such as tumor staging, restaging, treatment efficiency, FDG is a very useful imaging modality in evaluation of cardiac masses. A recent advance in the imaging technology has been the development of integrated PET-MRI system that utilizes the advantages of PET and MRI in a single examination. FDG PET-MRI provides complementary information on evaluation of cardiac masses. The purpose of this review is to provide several clinical scenarios on the incremental value of PET and MRI in the evaluation of cardiac masses.

Comparison of simplified and traditional pericardial devascularisation combined with splenectomy for the treatment of portal hypertension

AIM To compare the clinical outcomes of patients with portal hypertension(PH) who underwent treatment with splenectomy plus simplified pericardial devascularisation(SSPD) or splenectomy plus traditional pericardial devascularisation(STPD).METHODS We conducted a single-centre retrospective study of 1045 PH patients treated with either SSPD(S Group, 357 patients) or STPD(T Group, 688 patients) between January 2002 and February 2017. In all, 37 clinical indicators were compared to evaluate the efficacy of SSPD.RESULTS Perioperative indicators in the S Group were significantly better than those in the T Group(P < 0.05). In both groups, the postoperative long-term portal vein diameter and Model for End-Stage Liver Disease score were significantly lower than those in the preoperative and postoperative short-term groups(P< 0.05). The incidence of complications in the S Group was significantly lower than that in the T Group(P < 0.05). Compared to the T Group, postoperative shortterm WBC(white blood cell) and platelet counts were significantly lower and the short-term Hb(haemoglobin) level was significantly higher in the S Group(P < 0.05). In the S Group, postoperative long-term total bilirubin, direct bilirubin, alanine transaminase, and aspartate transaminase and postoperative serum creatinine and cystatin C levels were significantly lower than those in the T Group(P < 0.05), and postoperative albumin was significantly higher than that in the T Group(P < 0.05).CONCLUSION Compared to STPD, SSPD is a simple and easy procedure resulting in less tissue damage. Patients recovered smoothly and steadily with fewer complications. Short-term liver and kidney function damage was less severe, and long-term liver function recovery was better. Therefore, SSPD is worthy of clinical promotion and application for the treatment of PH.

Clinical and historical features of emergency department patients with pericardial effusions

BACKGROUND: Diagnosing pericardial effusion is critical for optimal patient care. Typically, clinicians use physical examination ? ndings and historical features suggesting pericardial effusion to determine which patients require echocardiography. The diagnostic characteristics of these tools are not well described. The objective of this study is to determine the prevalence of historical features and sensitivity of clinical signs to inform clinicians when to proceed with echocardiogram.METHODS: A retrospective review of point-of-care echocardiograms performed over a two and a half year period in two emergency departments were reviewed for the presence of a pericardial effusion. Patient charts were reviewed and abstracted for presenting symptoms, historical features and clinical findings. The prevalence of presenting symptoms and historical features and the sensitivity of classic physical examination ? ndings associated with pericardial effusion and tamponade were determined.RESULTS: One hundred and fifty-three patients with pericardial effusion were identified. Of these patients, the most common presenting complaint was chest pain and shortness of breath. Patients had no historical features that would suggest pericardial effusion in 37.5% of cases. None of the patients with pericardial effusion or pericardial tamponade had all of the elements of Beck's triad. The sensitivity of Beck's triad was found to be 0(0%–19.4%). The sensitivity for one ? nding of Beck's triad to diagnose pericardial tamponade was 50%(28.0%–72.0%).CONCLUSION: History and physical examination findings perform poorly as tests for the diagnosis of pericardial effusion or pericardial tamponade. Clinicians must liberally evaluate patients suspected of having a pericardial effusion with echocardiography.

Clinical observation on pericardial effusion in patients with lung cancer treated by intrapericardial catheterization and infusion of highly agglutinative staphylococcin and cisplatin

Objective: To evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of injecting highly agglutinative staphylococcin (HASL) and cisplatin into pericardial cavity of lung cancer patients with pericardial effusion. Methods: 81 patients were randomized into two groups: 45 in the experimental group (HASL and Cisplatin) and 36 in the control group (Cisplatin). At first pericardial effusion was drained out from a intrapericardial catheter and then different drugs were infused, respectively. 24 h after perfusion the draining continued again until drainage quantity was less than 30 mL every day. The draining lasted 10–15 days. Results: The response rate was 91.1% for the experimental group and 80.6% for the control group. There was no significant difference between the two groups (P>0.05). The complete remission was 77.8% for the experimental group and 52.8% for the control group, which was statistically significant difference (P<0.05). The adverse effects were myelosuppression and nausea and vomiting, which were 35.6% and 40.0% in the experimental group and 72.2% and 66.7% in the control group, respectively (P<0.01, P<0.05). Conclusion: Inject- ing HASL and cisplatin into pericardial cavity may be a better way to control pericardial effusion of lung cancer.

Indocyanine green retention is a potential prognostic indicator after splenectomy and pericardial devascularization for cirrhotic patients

BACKGROUND：Splenectomy and pericardial devascularization（SPD）is an effective treatment of upper gastrointestinal bleeding and hypersplenism in cirrhotic patients with portal hypertension.Indocyanine green retention at 15 minutes（ICGR15）was reported to offer better sensitivity and specificity than the Child-Pugh classification in hepatectomy,but few reports describe ICGR15 in SPD.The present study was to evaluate the prognostic value of ICGR15 for cirrhotic patients with portal hypertension who underwent SPD.METHODS：From January 2012 to January 2015,43 patients with portal hypertension and hypersplenism caused by liver cirrhosis were admitted in our center and received SPD.The ICGR15,Child-Pugh classification,model for end-stage liver disease（MELD）score,and perioperative characteristics were analyzed retrospectively.RESULTS：Preoperative liver function assessment revealed that 34 patients were Child-Pugh class A with ICGR15 of13.6%-43.0%and MELD score of 7-20;8 patients were class B with ICGR15 of 22.8%-40.7%and MELD score of 7-17;1patient was class C with ICGR15 of 39.7%and MELD score of 22.The optimal ICGR15 threshold for liver function compensation was 31.2%,which offered a sensitivity of 68.4%and a specificity of 70.8%.Univariate analysis showed preoperative ICGR15,MELD score,surgical procedure,intraoperative blood loss,and autologous blood transfusion were significantly different between postoperative liver function compensated and decompensated groups.Multivariate regression analysis revealed that ICGR15 was an independent risk factor of postoperative liver function recovery（P=0.020）.CONCLUSIONS：ICGR15 has outperformed the Child-Pugh classification for assessing liver function in cirrhotic patients with portal hypertension.ICGR15 may be a suitable prognostic indicator for cirrhotic patients after SPD.

Pulmonary hypertension concurrent with pericardial effusion and superior vena cava syndrome: who is the initiator?

The diagnosis of pulmonary hypertension(PH) should be made by combining clinical manifestations and echocardiographic probability.[1] Following the confirmation of PH, the classification should begin with the more common groups [group 2(PH due to left heart disease) and group 3(PH due to lung diseases and/or hypoxia)], then group 4(chronic thromboembolic PH and other pulmonary artery obstructions) and finally group 1(pulmonary arterial hypertension) and group 5(PH with unclear and/or multifactorial mechanisms).[1] In this case, we demonstrate a rare scenario of obstruction-caused group 4 PH.