Effect of Pericardial Effusion on Right Ventricular Functions in Oncology Patients Receiving Chemotherapy

Abstract

Introduction: Pericardial effusion is an indicator of poor prognosis in patients with cancer. We investigated the effect of pericardial effusion development on right ventricular function in oncology patients receiving chemotherapy for malignancy. Methods: A total of 90 patients who were followed up in the oncology clinic and who applied to our outpatient clinic for routine cardiac examination were included in the study. Echocardiography was performed on the patients, and they were divided into two groups: patients with and without pericardial effusion. Demographic characteristics and, clinical and laboratory findings of the patients were recorded. The right ventricular functions of the patients were then evaluated. Results: Pericardial effusion was in 30 (33.3%) of 90 patients included in the study. The mean age of patients without pericardial effusion was 57.33±15.59, and the mean age of patients with effusion was 60.27±13.51, and it was similar between the groups (p=0.36). No statistically significant difference was detected between the groups in right ventricular (RV) fractionated area change, RV-early peak, tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion, pulmonary artery pressure, E/E', and heart failure with preserved ejection fraction values, which are parameters that indicate right ventricular functions and diastolic dysfunction. However, RV systolic velocity and RV-AM, which are indicators of diastolic dysfunction, were found at higher rates in the patient group with pericardial effusion (p-value 0.041 and 0.001, respectively). In addition, Mitral E velocity was found to be lower in the patient group with pericardial effusion (p=0.032). Conclusion: In malignancy patients who develop pericardial effusion, we recommend that diastolic parameters be checked and close clinical follow-up of the patients be performed before overt heart failure clinic develops. It should be kept in mind that the development of pericardial effusion in oncology patients receiving chemotherapy does not mean right ventricular failure.

Keywords

• chemotherapy
• pericardial effusion
• diastolic heart failure
• right ventricular failure