Cardiac Tamponade in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Abstract

A case of systemic lupus erythematosus is described in which acute cardiac tamponade occurred due to a serosanguinous pericardial effusion of high protein content and high specific gravity, and in which dramatic and immediate improvement occurred following pericardio-centesis. Other features of the case were the persistently negative L.E. preparations throughout all but the terminal part of her course, a positive direct Coombs test, the development of hemagglutinins to homologous blood on cross-matching, and a temporary but striking remission in her signs and symptoms, probably of spontaneous origin.