Recurrent pericardial effusion after cardiac surgery: The use of colchicine after recalcitrant conventional therapy

Abstract

Pericardial effusion represents a common postoperative complication in cardiac surgery. Nonetheless, it can be resistant to conventional therapy leading to prolonged in-hospital stay and worsening of clinical conditions. Recent literature shows that colchicine therapy should be useful in the treatment of recurrent post surgical pericardial effusion. Hereby we report the case of a patient with postsurgical recurrent effusion treated with colchicine, and a review of literature concerning the use of this old drug. © 2011 Dainese et al; licensee BioMed Central Ltd.