Metastatic uterine papillary serous carcinoma to the pericardium

Background. Uterine papillary serous carcinoma is an aggressive tumor with a high propensity for distant spread. Metastases to the heart or pericardiu m are rare in gynecologic malignancies and usually fatal. Case. A 64-year-old African American woman was diagnosed with recurrent ute rine papillary serous carcinoma metastatic to the pericardium. Her case at presentation was significant for an elevated serum CA-125, evidence of meta static disease to the liver, and massive cardiomegaly. Cytologic analysis o f fluid obtained by pericardiocentesis confirmed recurrence. Despite treatm ent with paclitaxel and a pleuropericardial window, the patient succumbed t o her disease. Conclusion. The prognosis for patients whose recurrent uterine papillary se rous carcinoma has metastasized to the heart or pericardium is extremely po or. Effective adjuvant and salvage therapies are essential. (C) 2001 Academ ic Press.