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Lung cancer with malignant pericardial effusion

Case contributed by: Dr Roberto Schubert

Presentation:

Cough, dyspnoea, weight loss.

Patient Data:

Age: 64
Gender: Female
Race: Caucasian
From the case: Lung cancer with malignant pericardial effusion
Modality: CT

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C+ arterial phase

Case Discussion:

A pericardial effusion is characterised by build up of fluid in the pericardial space (a normal pericardiac sac contains approximately 30 - 50 mls of fluid). 

The pericardium, including the epicardium (visceral layer of the pericardium) is by far the most commonly affected site. The myocardium can be involved through direct tumor extension from the pericardium. However, malignant melanoma may result in diffuse myocardial involvement through hematogenous spread. Only about 5% of cardiac metastases are endocardial/intracavitary lesions1.

References:

  1. 1. Grebenc ML, Rosado de christenson ML, Burke AP et-al. Primary cardiac and pericardial neoplasms: radiologic-pathologic correlation. Radiographics. 20 (4): 1073-103. Radiographics (citation) - Pubmed citation

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