Early nonhemorrhagic cardiac tamponade complicating acute myocardial infarction: a case report and review of the literature.

Pericarditis and small pericardial effusions frequently occur following acute myocardial infarction (AMI). A case is reported in which nonhemorrhagic cardiac tamponade complicated AMI within three days of the acute event. In such cases the placement of a pericardial drainage catheter may obviate the need for repeated pericardiocentesis.