Refractory supra-ventricular tachyarrhythmias due to early posterior pericardial effusion following open-heart surgery.

Three cases are presented of supra-ventricular tachyarrhythmias following open heart surgery refractory to direct current cardioversion and pharmacological treatment. Echocardiography demonstrated a moderate to large posterior pericardial effusion in each case. Surgical evacuation of the effusion was followed by reversion to sinus rhythm.