Cytology positive pericardial effusion causing tamponade in patients with high grade serous carcinoma of the ovary

Abstract

Highlights Three patients with cytology positive pericardial effusions from high grade serous carcinoma. Patients’ conditions amenable to treatment with chemotherapy after effusion symptom improvement. Patient with pericardial effusion from high grade serous ovarian cancer post a poly ADP ribose polymerase inhibitor.

Malignant Müllerian Adenocarcinoma Manifesting With Cardiac Tamponade and Pleural Effusion

“…Only five such cases have been reported in the literature review through 2019 [ 5 ]. The pathophysiology is thought to be from the lymphatic spread of malignant cells from the Müllerian source to the mediastinal lymph nodes, which the pericardium drains into from the subepicardial plexus, leading to retrograde tumor cell migration [ 9 ]. The rapid production of vascular growth factors from the neoplastic cells can potentially increase vascular permeability and promote leakage, thus producing an effusion [ 10 ].…”