[Pericarditis during the course of pulmonary embolism]

Pneumonol Alergol Pol. 1994;62(3-4):163-5.
[Article in Polish]

Abstract

Among 121 patients with pulmonary embolism (PE) five (4%) developed pericardial syndrome, connected with PE. Other known causes of pericarditis were ruled out. In 3 cases corticosteroids were administered with anticoagulants and/or fibrinolytic agents without complications. We believe that the clinician considering in similar situations the risk-benefit ratio of anticoagulant or/and fibrinolytic therapy should certainly use corticosteroids and not abstain from the use of anticoagulants and/or fibrinolytic agents in presence of pericardial syndrome after PE. In cases with huge pericardial effusion catheter should be inserted into pericardial space, because of high probability of cardiac tamponade.

Publication types

  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Pericardial Effusion / etiology
  • Pericardial Effusion / therapy
  • Pericarditis / etiology*
  • Pulmonary Embolism / complications*
  • Pulmonary Embolism / drug therapy
  • Syndrome