Haemorrhagic pericarditis and cardiac tamponade during chronic haemodialysis

Abstract

Three cases of uraemic haemorrhagic pericarditis observed during haemodialysis treatment are described. The condition is explained with uraemic toxicosis, cyclic heparinaemia resulting from dialysis, deficient thrombocyte function, and decreased capillary resistance. The clinical appearance of haemorrhagic pericarditis was not typical in any of the cases. Two patients died, while in one patient partial pericardiectomy was performed with success.