An unusual presentation of recurring metastatic melanoma

A 53-year-old non-distressed Caucasian female complains of dyspnea and palpitations for 5 days. Past medical history includes Stage IV melanoma with adequate resection 23 years prior. The patient suddenly became increasingly tachycardic in mild respiratory distress while maintaining hemodynamic stability. TTE depicted 10.5 x 7.5 x 9.5 cm(3) mass within her left ventricle and a large volume of pericardial effusion, which progressed to cardiac tamponade. Pericardial window was performed. Metastatic involvement should be ruled out for all symptomatic patients with a history of melanoma.