Abstract

Osborne, M. P., Paneth, M., and Hinson, K. F. W. (1974).Thorax, 29, 199-203. Starch granules in the pericardium as a cause of the post-cardiotomy syndrome. A case of the `post-cardiotomy' syndrome following mitral valve replacement is reported. Recurring pericardial effusions and cardiac tamponade required surgical drainage. Pericardial biopsy demonstrated an inflammatory reaction in the presence of starch. It is suggested that starch might be one of several aetiological agents in the post-cardiotomy syndrome. Further investigation of such patients is indicated.