An Incidental Finding of a Massive Loculated Pericardial Effusion in a Patient Presenting With Inferior ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction

Pericardial effusion, commonly associated with malignancies such as lung, breast, and esophageal cancers through local extension, or leukemia, lymphoma, and melanoma via metastatic dissemination, is rarely observed in renal cell carcinoma (RCC). This report presents a rare case of a large loculated pericardial effusion in a 68-year-old male, potentially linked to RCC, who concurrently presented with an inferior wall ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). The patient, with a history of hypertension, hyperlipidemia, end-stage renal disease, coronary artery disease, and former smoking, exhibited symptoms including chest pain, diaphoresis, and shortness of breath, but no fever, chills, or night sweats. Diagnostic imaging revealed a significant pericardial effusion and a renal mass consistent with RCC, along with potential pulmonary metastases. Despite the complexity and high-risk nature of his condition, exacerbated by recent STEMI and dual antiplatelet therapy, a multidisciplinary approach was employed. This case emphasizes the need for careful management and tailored treatment strategies in patients with multiple coexisting conditions, highlighting the critical role of comprehensive diagnostic evaluation and collaborative care in improving patient outcomes.