MASSIVE PERICARDIAL-EFFUSION IN SARCOIDOSIS

Massive pericardial effusion in sarcoidosis is rare. We summarize the features of a recent patient along with a review of 9 previously repor ted cases. All but 1 patient with massive pericardial effusion were fe male and all had massive cardiomegaly on their chest roentgenogram wit h 7 of the 10 also showing features suggestive of sarcoidosis (bilater al hilar adenopathy with or without interstitial infiltrates). Nine of the 10 patients required a drainage procedure (pericardiectomy or per icardiocentesis). Pericardial histology revealed noncaseating granulom as in 6 of 7 patients. Two of the patients expired within the first we ek of hospitalization with evidence of myocardial involvement. The rem ainder of the patients have had clinical stability most responding to steroids, yet recurrences were seen in 3 patients and 1 patient requir ed cyclophosphamide for control.