A Case Report of Video-assisted Thoracoscopic Pericardiectomy for Postpericardiotomy Recurrent Loculated Pericardial Effusion

Surgical drainage, particularly pericardiotomy, which has a low recurrence rate, can safely and efficiently treat symptomatic pericardial effusion in patients with cancer. A thoracoscopic video-assisted pericardiectomy is an effective treatment option for rare instances of recurrent localized pericardial effusion. A 63-year-old male presented with a rare form of recurrent pericardial effusion that was initially circumferential, but recurred in a loculated form. On the right side, a loculated pericardial effusion caused right ventricular dysfunction and lower leg edema. The patient’s clinical symptoms, especially severe pedal edema, improved significantly after video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery with pericardiectomy through the right chest wall. Infrequent instances of recurrent loculated pericardial effusion after pericardiotomy may manifest with atypical symptoms. In addition to echocardiography, chest computed tomography can be used to examine in great detail local lesions caused by postoperative pericardial adhesions or scarring. Video-assisted thoracic surgery improves visualization and effectively treats loculated pericardial effusion during pericardiectomy.