Establishment of a clinically correlated human pericardial fluid bank: Evaluation of intrapericardial diagnostic potential

The development of a clinically correlated human pericardial fluid bank and database is described. A unique feature of this registry is the availabili ty of a large number of peri cardial fluid samples for testing with respect to multiple Factors and for correlation with angiographic findings and cli nical syndromes expressed by the patients. The collection of data at the pr esent time comprises frozen pericardial fluid samples obtained from patient s who have undergone cardiac surgery; and historical, clinical, and laborat ory data obtained from the patient records. Nearly 400 samples have been st ored and analyzed thus far, with sample entry continuing. This registry is designed to evaluate the local factors that play a role in mediating or ref lecting myocardial or coronary responses. Pathophysiologic processes of par ticular interest include restenosis, plaque ruptures, and angiogenesis. Stu dy of the pericardial fluid bank should lead to enhanced understanding of m olecular mechanisms, as well as to the explanation for the reasons underlyi ng interpatient variability in these processes. It is further anticipated t hat this information might provide a Foundation for the diagnostic use of p ericardial fluid to individualize therapies targeting angiogenesis or plaqu e physiology.