Rheumatoid pericardial effusion with heart block treated by pericardiectomy and implantation of permanent pacemaker.

Abstract

A patient with long-standing seropositive erosive rheumatoid arthritis developed a pericardial effusion with chronic cardiac tamponade. He had evidence of conducting system disease and developed heart block. He was successfully treated by pericardiectomy and implantation of a demand pacemaker.