Colchicine: an effective treatment for refractory malignant pericardial effusion.

Abstract

We report a patient with AL amyloidosis and chemo-resistant light-chain multiple myeloma who developed a progressive malignant pericardial effusion leading to cardiac tamponade. Despite pericardiocentesis and surgical intervention, the pericardial effusion failed to resolve. The administration of oral colchicine produced symptomatic relief within 5 days, with the resolution of pericardial effusion after 14 days of treatment. As the administration of colchicine is simple and the side-effect is usually minimal, further studies are warranted to establish the feasibility of using colchicine to treat malignant pericardial effusion.

• Authors: T Ng, A Gatt, A Pagliuca, G J Mufti
• Journal: Acta haematologica (Acta Haematol) Vol. 104 Issue 4 Pg. 217-9 ( 2000) ISSN: 0001-5792 [Print] Switzerland
• PMID: 11279315 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)
• Copyright: Copyright 2001 S. Karger AG, Basel

Chemical References

• Colchicine

Topics

• Adult
• Amyloidosis (complications)
• Cardiac Tamponade (etiology)
• Colchicine (administration & dosage)
• Humans
• Male
• Multiple Myeloma (complications)
• Pericardial Effusion (drug therapy, etiology, pathology)