Delayed pericardial effusion with tamponade after cardiac surgery.

Seven cases of delayed pericardial effusion with tamponade in children have been reported previously, all following the Wattrston operation. Three cases are now described in which delayed pericardial effusion developed three weeks after operation, following procedures other than the Waterston operation. Two of our cases, and two of the reported cases, died because the possibility of delayed pericardial effusion was not recognized. The previous reported cases are compared, and the possible aetiology is discussed.