[A case of pericardial tamponade caused by recurrent breast cancer treated with intrapericardial and intrapleural infusion of cisplatin (CDDP)]

Abstract

Breast cancer rarely metastasizes to the pericardial cavity to cause cardiac tamponade. We have recently experienced a case of pericardial tamponade due to recurrent breast cancer. A 41-year-old woman who underwent modified radical mastectomy for a right breast cancer (T(1)N(3)M(0), Stage IIIA) 8 years and 8 months ago, was admitted for dyspnea and cough. Chest X-ray and CT scan revealed cardiomegaly and right pleural effusion, and cardiac echogram showed marked retention of pericardial effusion. A diagnosis of cardiac tamponade was made, and pericardiocentesis and thoracentesis were carried out immediately. Based on cytodiagnosis of pericardial and pleural effusion, the diagnosis was pericardial and intrapleural metastases of the breast cancer. Dyspnea was improved by pericardiocentesis and thocacentesis. Both intrapericardiac and intrathoracic instillation of CDDP prevented reaccumulation of pericardial and pleural effusion. After local chemotherapy with CDDP, systemic chemotherapy of CPT-11 was started. Thereafter the patient was discharged from the hospital and recovered her daily activities. This case indicates that intrapericardiac application of CDDP was effective for carcinomatous cardiac tamponade without serious side effects.