Malignant-related pericardial effusion from endometrial cancer is a considerably rare condition. Massive fluid accumulation can cause a cardiac tamponade, which could lead to a life threatening condition. Here, the author presented a case of 45-year-old woman diagnosed of stage IIIC2 endometrial cancer, with para-aortic lymph nodes metastases. Fourteen months after completion of systemic chemotherapy and adjuvant sequential radiotherapy, she had been suffering from acute shortness of breath, tachypnea, tachycardia, and hemodynamic instability. Massive pericardial effusion was confirmed by echocardiogram. Malignant tumor cells were found on the cytological analysis. Beside pericardial effusion, computed tomography scan also demonstrated pleural effusion and multiple enlarged para-aortic lymph nodes. Pericardial window was done on the second day of admission after the diagnosis was confirmed by pericardiocentesis. Six courses of systemic chemotherapy, carboplatin and paclitaxel, were administered, followed by hormonal therapy. The patient was scheduled for follow up, every month, for 10 consecutive times. Her physical performance was in good condition without any clinical potential recurrence. Pericardial window is a palliative surgical treatment in emergency circumstance and systemic chemotherapy should be considered with clinical response result.

Keywords: Malignant pericardial effusion, Endometrial cancer, Treatment

DOI: doi.org/10.35755/jmedassocthai.2021.01.11586

Received 22 June 2020 | Revised 30 August 2020 | Accepted 2 September 2020