Leukemic infiltration of heart and its investing membrances were not uncommon among the patients with acute leukemia. But, clinically early detection of such abnormalities is difficult since it would be obscured by symptomatology.
So,
most studies of leukemic pericardial involvement have been from postmortem period. In addition, the information for adequate mnagement and prognosis is limited.
We experienced a case of acute myeloid leukemia with pericardial effusion in 39 years old female patient complaining exertional dyspnea, general weakness and fatigue for one month.
Examination showed her to be acutely ill with both engorged neck veins.
The chest x-ray and echocardiography showed the pleural effusion and large amount of pericardial effusion. The pericardiocentesis was performed and aspiration cytology of pericardial fluid showed abundant leukemic blast cells.
The two cycles of induction chemotherapy with Ara-C, daunorubicin, VP-16 brough out compete remission. But, leukemia and pericardial effusion were relapsed after four months and died due to sepsis despite of aggressive treatment.
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