July 28, 2005
View Full PaperAbnormal Cytology Predicts Poor Prognosis in Cancer Patients With Pericardial Effusion
Structured PICO
Does abnormal cytology predict poor prognosis in cancer patients with pericardial effusion?
P
Population
Cancer patients with pericardial effusion
I
Intervention
Abnormal fluid cytology
O
Outcome
Prognosis/survivalhard clinical
Abnormal fluid cytology is a marker of poor survival in cancer patients with pericardial effusion, which may have important implications for clinical management.
Abstract
Malignancy is the most common cause of pericardial effusion in a tertiary care center. Cancer-related pericardial effusion is associated with adverse outcomes, and abnormal cytology further worsens prognosis. The poor survival among cancer patients with pericardial effusion and abnormal fluid cytology may have important implications for management.