Acute Leukemia Presenting with Pericardial Tamponade

Abstract

Two patients with acute leukemia who presented with pericardial tamponade as part of the initial manifestations are described. The diagnosis in one patient was confirmed by pericardiocentesis. Both patients responded satisfactorily to the simultaneous administration of radiotherapy and chemotherapy; therapeutic pericardiocenteses were not required. Ancillary measures to avoid the complications of hyperuricemia were employed.