Resolution of pericardial effusion after minimally invasive surgical repair of pectus excavatum

Abstract

Pectus excavatum may cause the compression of the heart, thereby, disturbing the pericardial fluid turnover which results in pericardial effusion. In this article, we report a 32-year-old female case with pectus excavatum and chronic recurrent pericardial effusion. After the minimally invasive repair of pectus excavatum and pericardiocentesis, no recurrence was observed during one-year follow-up. By elevating the sternum and relieving the cardiac compression, minimally invasive repair of pectus excavatum may be helpful in restoring the pericardial fluid production and re-absorption mechanism.