A rare complication of oesophageal sclerotherapy

CS Lam, ML Szeto
Department of Medicine, Tuen Mun Hospital, Tuen Mun, Hong Kong

Endoscopic sclerotherapy is a standard procedure for the treatment of oesphageal varices. It is generally regarded as a safe procedure with low morbidity and mortality. However, there are a number of rare and fatal complications associated with this procedure. We report a case of pericardial effusion developing after oesophageal sclerotherapy. The patient developed cardiac tamponade requiring pericardiocebtesis. This complication is uncommon, but its true incidence may be underestimated. When pericardial effusion is diagnosed early, this potentially fatal complication can be treated without serious sequelae.

Hong Kong Med J 1997;3:101-3

Key words: Sclerotherapy, oesophageal; Pericardial effusion; Sclerosing solutions; Cardiac tamponade