PERICARDIAL-EFFUSION - UNUSUAL COMPLICATION IN THYROID-CANCER

A case in which a prolonged hypothyroid state resulted in development of a pericardial effusion is presented, The compensatory mechanism for protein homeostasis is lost in severe hypothyroldism. Iodine is trans ported to the pericardial space, which is filled with a high-protein c ontent fluid and remains trapped, The mechanism for the accumulation o f the fluid in the pericardial space is discussed, To prevent this unu sual but dangerous complication, the authors recommend close monitorin g of the patient's clinical status and serum thyroid stimulating hormo ne, The use of a short acting thyroxine substitute for at least 2 week s can decrease occurrence of this complication and will shorten the ti me the patient needs to be hypothyroid.