Treatment of Pericardial Metastases with Large Malignant Pericardial Effusion in a Stable Patient

This protocol covers management of pericardial metastases in a haemodynamically stable patient who presents with a large or rapidly expanding malignant pericardial effusion — before progression to cardiac tamponade.

Clinical scenario: Stable patient with large (≥20 mm) or rapidly expanding malignant pericardial effusion, prior to the development of cardiac tamponade.

Treatment approach — partial overview

The full protocol specifies the choice of drainage intervention when a percutaneous approach is not feasible, including the role of a surgical approach to the pericardium. Indications, procedural considerations, and the complete decision algorithm are available in the structured protocol below.

Instant Access to Structured Evidence-Based Regimens

References

DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehac244

A surgical pericardial window should be considered if the percutaneous approach is not feasible and in stable patients with large (≥20 mm) or rapidly expanding malignant pericardial effusions prior to the development of cardiac tamponade.

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