FLEXIBLE FIBEROPTIC PERICARDIOSCOPY FOR THE DIAGNOSIS OF PERICARDIAL DISEASE

[摘要] Pericardiocentesis provides an etiologic diagnosis for pericardial effusions approximately 25% of the time. In 7 patients with evidence of a large pericardial effusion of unknown origin without cardiac tamponade, a flexible fiberoptic bronchoscope was inserted through a subxiphoid incision after the effusion was drained. Pericardioscopy allowed visualization of all pericardial surfaces and made it possible to perform selective biopsy not limited to a subxiphoid window. It is a safe procedure that can permit distinction among benign, malignant and tuberculous origins of pericardial effusion.

[发布日期] 1986-02-01