Managing malignant recurrent pericardial effusion in a palliative patient with bleomycin sclerotherapy: A case report from Bangladesh.
Subrata Das, A K M Motiur Rahman Bhuiyan, Afroja Alam et al.
✦ AI-curated · Sources linked
Case in brief
A 50-year-old male with advanced lung cancer presented with recurrent malignant pericardial effusion, causing significant dyspnea and chest pain. Initial pericardiocentesis provided temporary relief, but the effusion recurred within two months. Following a second pericardiocentesis, intrapericardial bleomycin sclerotherapy was performed, leading to complete resolution of the effusion and substantial symptomatic improvement without recurrence.
Diagnostic / clinical pearl
Intrapericardial bleomycin sclerotherapy is a safe and effective palliative treatment for recurrent malignant pericardial effusion, particularly in patients with advanced malignancies.
Why it matters
This case highlights the potential of minimally invasive chemical pericardiodesis to improve quality of life and reduce the need for repeated invasive procedures in resource-limited settings.