Effusion and coin shadow: is there a relation? A case report.

This case demonstrates that oncology patients can present with tamponade in the form of tachycardia rather than hypotension as the slow course of effusion formation allows the body to compensate by increasing the heart rate and peripheral vascular resistance, thus maintaining the blood pressure. The application of 'pericardiocentesis score' is very helpful in such patients. Score equal or greater than 6 necessitates urgent pericardiocentesis even if the blood pressure is normal.