Which of the following is a symptom of malignant pericardial effusion?

• A. Rash
• B. Chest Pain
• C. Back Ache
• D. Dizziness

Answer: (B)

Malignant pericardial effusion involves fluid buildup around the heart from cancer, which can irritate the pericardium and create chest discomfort or pain, often described as pressure or tightness and sometimes worsened by deep breaths or lying flat. This chest pain is the most characteristic symptom among the options. Rash isn’t related to pericardial involvement, back ache isn’t typical, and dizziness can occur if the effusion becomes large enough to impair heart output (tamponade), but it’s not the best distinguishing symptom here.