Metastatic malignant tumors associated with malignant effusions:
(1) lung
(2) breast
(3) malignant lymphoma
(4) leukemia
Primary cardiac tumors associated with malignant effusions:
(1) cardiac angiosarcoma
(2) mesothelioma
Risk factors for a malignant effusion:
(1) pre-existing mediastinal disease (associated with altered lymphatic drainage)
(2) previous radiotherapy to thorax or mediastinum (associated with altered lymphatic drainage)
(3) malignant tumor in adjacent organ (invasion by direct extension or lymphatic drainage)
Risk factors for tamponade in a patient with a malignant pericardial effusion (other causes of pericarditis with effusion):
(1) anticoagulation (with hemorrhage)
(2) coagulopathy (with hemorrhage)
(3) renal failure with uremia
(4) radiation therapy to the mediastinum
(5) infectious pericarditis
(6) hypothyroidism
(7) autoimmune disease
