Pericardial tamponade as initial presentation of papillary thyroid carcinoma

• DOI: 10.1016/j.ejso.2004.09.014
• Publication Date: 2004-12-15T23:48:13Z
• Authors: F.M. González Val...; M.J. Gómez Ramos; M. Moltó Aguado; M.D. Balsalobre; F. Menarguez; F. Mauri; J.A. Barreras; N. Torregrosa; J.L. Vázquez
• Keywords: Adult; Carcinoma, Papillary; Pericardial Effusion; Cardiac Tamponade; 3. Good health; Diagnosis, Differential; Heart Neoplasms; 03 medical and health sciences; 0302 clinical medicine; Echocardiography; Humans; Female; Radiography, Thoracic; Thyroid Neoplasms

We herein describe a 19-year-old woman who presented with pericardial effusion that resulted in heart tamponade. The clinicopathological study revealed papillary carcinoma of the thyroid metastasized to the heart. Although malignant pericardial effusion is a known complication of thyroid cancer, it is rarely the first manifestation and shows a relatively favourable prognosis despite widespread metastases if adequate treatment is given.