Pericardial effusion in End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD): Report of 5 cases and review of literature

BACKGROUND: Pericardial effusion, common at one time among dialysis patients, has become a rare entity in recent years. Due to its low incidence, its recognition has gained importance among internists, cardiologists, and nephrologists. It can be seen in predialysis patients and in dialysis patients who are on hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis.METHOD: A retrospective study is performed reviewing all hospital admissions of the patients suffering from ESRD and pericardial effusion. The clinical manifestations, laboratory data, echocardiography and treatment modalities of the patients during each admission is recorded.CASE REPORT: We report 5 cases of uremic pericarditis and their presenting manifestations and review the literature. Among these patients, the traditional findings of acute pericarditis such as chest pain, fever, electrocardiographic changes, and leukocytosis are uncommon. Muffled cardiac sounds have a relatively high incidence and should be emphasized on auscultation of uremic patients. Not infrequently, it is complicated by pre-tamponade or tamponade, requiring pericardiocentesis or pericardial surgery.CONCLUSION: Uremic pericardial effusion is treatable, but not always a preventable, condition. Timely recognition of its presence and its efficient management are essential elements of successful treatment.

کلیدواژه ها:

ESRD ، pericardial effusion ، clinical manifestations ، treatment