Intrapericardial cisplatin administration after pericardiocentesis in patients with lung adenocarcinoma and malignant cardiac tamponade.

Introduction: Patients with lung adenocarcinoma often suffer from metastatic pericardial effusion that may eventually cause cardiac tamponade. Recurrence of pericardial effusion is frequent after pericardial drainage and therapy for the prevention of fluid reaccumulation is still controversial. We evaluated the safety and effectiveness of the intrapericardial infusion of cisplatin, a substance with antineoplastic and sclerosing properties, after pericardiocentesis in patients with lung adenocarcinoma and malignant cardiac tamponade.

Malignant cardiac tamponade in women with breast cancer treated by pericardiocentesis and intrapericardial administration of triethylenethiophosphoramide (thiotepa).

We treated 19 women with malignant cardiac tamponade due to advanced breast cancer with subxiphoid pericardiocentesis and local thiotepa instillation. The method has no serious side effects, prevents pericardial fluid reaccumulation, and, combined with systemic adjuvant therapy, prolongs survival.