Rhythm change occurred in 8.7% (21 of 242) of patients within four weeks of open heart surgery, with tachyarrhythmia acting as a forerunner of significant pericardial effusion.
Observational (n=242)
Is new-onset tachyarrhythmia (particularly atrial fibrillation) associated with significant pericardial effusion in patients during the first four weeks after open heart surgery?
New-onset tachyarrhythmia, particularly atrial fibrillation, within the first four weeks after open heart surgery is a strong indicator of significant pericardial effusion or cardiac tamponade.
Rhythm change was observed in 21 of 242 (8.7%) patients during the first four weeks of open heart surgery (OHS). In the valve-replacement group of 148 patients the rhythm change was found to be associated with significant pericardial effusion (PE). Seven patients had rhythm changes during the first three days of OHS unrelated to PE. Two patients who were in atrial fibrillation (AF) developed fast ventricular rate and twelve patients showed rhythm change from sinus to supraventricular tachyarrhythmia (AF in ten and supraventricular tachycardia in two) and all these fourteen patients had significant PE. With pericardiocentesis or open drainage or withdrawal of anticoagulation, AF reverted to sinus rhythm in nine patients and five patients remained in AF but with a slow ventricular rate. Significant PE was related to a high anticoagulation ratio. We conclude from this study that within the first four weeks of OHS, high anticoagulation ratio contributes to the development of significant PE, and tachyarrhythmia (particularly AF) is a forerunner of significant PE or cardiac tamponade: the aim of management should be to rule out or show evidence of significant PE once tachyarrhythmia develops, and if significant PE is present then the pressure in the pericardial cavity should be reduced.
Chidambaram et al. (1992) conducted an observational in Open heart surgery / Valve-replacement (n=242). Tachyarrhythmia and high anticoagulation ratio was evaluated on Significant pericardial effusion. Rhythm change occurred in 8.7% (21 of 242) of patients within four weeks of open heart surgery, with tachyarrhythmia acting as a forerunner of significant pericardial effusion.