Metastatic Pericardial Effusion And Cardiac Tamponade Due To Parotid Adenocarcinoma

Metastatic malignancy presenting as cardiac tamponade is not uncommon; however, hematogenous spread from carcinoma is rare. There are only three previously reported cases of parotid malignancy with pericardial metastasis. We report a case of parotid adenocarcinoma leading to cardiac tamponade in a 61-year old man. The patient presented with signs and symptoms of cardiac tamponade. The diagnosis was confirmed by echocardiography and computed tomography followed by pericardiocentesis. Cytological examination showed metastatic adenocarcinaoma from parotid gland. This case illustrates hematogenous spread of parotid adenocarcinoma to pericardium leading to cardiac tamponade.