Percutaneous catheter drainage for malignant pericardial effusion.

Ultrasound (US)-guided and fluoroscopically guided pericardial catheter placement was performed in 12 patients with known underlying malignancy who had clinical and radiographic evidence of a significant pericardial effusion. US guidance facilitated placement of a 22-gauge needle by means of a subxyphoid or transthoracic approach. The tract was subsequently dilated over a wire under fluoroscopic guidance with placement of either an 8.5- or 10-F catheter. This technique successfully established pericardial drainage in all patients with excellent symptomatic relief. Cytologic findings were positive for malignancy in 10 of the 12 patients. Radiologically guided pericardiocentesis allowed safe, rapid stabilization of the condition of patients with symptoms from pericardial effusion. This resulted in excellent palliation in patients with terminal disease and improvement in the clinical status of other patients so that additional therapies, such as sclerosis with tetracycline or surgical placement of a pericardial window, could be performed on an elective basis.