[Late cardiac tamponade by localized compression of the left cavities after heart valve surgery. Apropos of 2 cases].

The authors report two cases of left cardiac failure occurring three and ten months after aortic valve replacement. Echocardiography established the diagnosis of localized compression of left heart chambers by hemopericardium. Surgical drainage dramatically improved patients with a follow-up of 4 years and 18 months. The authors emphasize the interest of left thoracotomy for drainage and discuss the etiology.