Delayed cardiac tamponade diagnosed by point-of-care ultrasound in a neonate after peripherally inserted central catheter placement: A case report

BACKGROUND Peripherally inserted central catheters(PICCs)have been increasingly applied worldwide owing to many advantages.Even with these advantages,the related complications should not be ignored,especially in neonates.The available evidence about PICC-related thrombosis was manifold,but the cardiac tamponade,an emergency and life-threatening complication,has been rarely reported.Early recognized cardiac tamponade by ultrasound may reduce mortality.CASE SUMMARY A neonate weighting 2.8 kg was born at 40 wk of gestation.He was admitted to the Surgery Intensive Care Unit due to suspected congenital megacolon.A PICC line was inserted via the left antecubital fossa for the administration of total parenteral nutrition.Three days later,the patient was still on total parenteral nutrition.Cardiac tamponade caused by PICC was found on ultrasound.The patient recovered spontaneously after an emergency pericardiocentesis.CONCLUSION Proficiency in the use of point-of-care ultrasound may save the life of patients,since it enables clinicians to treat patients faster,more accurately,and in a noninvasive way at the point of care.

Delayed cardiac tamponade after simultaneous transcatheter atrial septal defect closure and left atrial appendage closure device implantation: a particular case report

Percutaneous left atrial appendage(LAA)occlusion evolved as an alternative treatment to the patients who are contraindicated or cannot tolerate oral anticoagulants with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation(AF)at risk of stroke or systemic embolism.[1]Abnormal hemodynamic changes in elder atrial septal defect(ASD)patients cause remodeling of the left atrium,which eventually leads to right heart failure.[2]As the ASDs elderly are associated with a higher incidence of AF,simultaneous transcatheter ASD and LAA closure has become a new effective therapeutic strategy.However,only a limited number of articles involving cardiac tamponade complications have been published in the literature.What’s more,previous studies involving early hemodynamically irrelevant pericardial effusion after the procedure attribute to multiple repositioning attempts of LAA occluder or delivery sheath injured the atrial wall.

Cardiac tamponade as a rare complication after giant coronary fistula percutaneous closure

We present the case of an unusual complication after percutaneous closure of a giant coronary artery fis-tula. A 76-year-old man with previous admissions due to right heart failure and previous history of atrial fibrillation under acenocumarol, was admitted to our hospital for new onset of symptoms, characterized by progressive dyspnoea and peripheral edema. Physical examination revealed signs of congestive heart failure and a continuous murmur loudest along the lower sternal border. X-Ray showed cardiomegaly due to right chambers dilatation. Transthoracic echocardiography showed right chambers pressure and volume overload, with right ventricular enlargement and dysfunction, tricuspid annulus dilatation and severe tricuspid regurgitation. Cardiac catheterization showed significant elevation of right atrial pressure, as well as significant step-up of oxygen saturation in this chamber. Coronary angiography revealed the presence of a large fistula between the circumflex coronary artery (CCA) and coronary sinus (CS), with severe dilation of the CCA (maximum diameter20 mm). An Amplatzer? PDA was implanted in a distal elbow of the fistula with initailly good results. Anticoagulant therapy was then reinitiated, and a few days later, the patient developed clinical worsening of heart failure and dyspnoea. Echocardiogram showed significant pericardial effusion. Pleuropericardial window was then made draining a500 cm3 of bloody pericardial effusion. The postoperative outcome was excellent, with symptomatic relief and no signs of heart failure.

Cough induced syncope:A hint to cardiac tamponade diagnosis

We report a case of a 75-year-old male with history oflung adenocarcinoma who presented with shortness of breath and frequent episodes of cough-induced syncope. A large pericardial effusion was found on echocardiogram suggestive of cardiac tamponade. Pericardiocentesis was done which improved the dyspnea and eventually resolved the syncope. There are only two other cases reported in the literature with cough-induced syncope in the setting of pericardial effusion or cardiac tamponade. Our clinical vignette also highlights the importance of pulsus paradoxus identification in patients with cough induced syncope to rule out cardiac tamponade since this is the most sensitive physical finding for its diagnosis.

Cardiac Tamponade: Epidemioclinical, Therapeutic and Evolutionary Aspects at the University Hospital of Brazzaville

Objectives: Contribute to improving the management of cardiac tamponade in Congo. Background: Cardiac tamponade is an acute or subacute compression of the heart chambers by pericardial effusion responsible for uncertain prognosis for patients. The objective of this study is to help improve the management of patients with cardiac tamponade. Patients and Methods: We conducted a retrospective and descriptive study at the University Hospital of Brazzaville, from January 2015 to December 31, 2019. Included were all patients hospitalized for cardiac tamponade. Epidemioclinical, therapeutic and evolutionary data were analyzed. Results: An overall of 14 patients were divided into 9 men (64.2%) and 5 women (35.7%), i.e. a sex ratio of 1.8. The mean age of patients was 34.2 ± 15.1 years old (18 years to 64). The most represented comorbidity was hypertension (n = 2;14.3%). The most frequent clinical sign was dyspnea (n = 14;100%). The ECG showed diffuse and concordant repolarization disturbances (n = 14;100%), sinus tachycardia (n = 13;92.8%), microvoltage (n = 12;85.7%). Cardiomegaly was constant (n = 14;100%). In terms of transthoracic ultrasound, we found: diastolic compression of the right ventricle (RV) (n = 12;85.7%), dilation of the inferior vena cava (IVC) (n = 12;85.7%). Treatment consisted of crystalloid vascular filling in all patients, pericardial puncture (n = 7;50%), surgical drainage (n = 12;85.7%), anti-tuberculosis drugs (n = 11;78, 6%), antimitotics could be administered in one case (n = 1;7.2%). Two cases of death were recorded, i.e. 14.3%. Conclusion: Cardiac tamponade, although it is a rare condition, remains a serious pathology and difficult to manage in our context.

Case Report of Cardiac Tamponade Due to Acute Chagas Disease after Misdiagnosis of Visceral Leishmaniasis Based on Serology

Protozoan diseases such as Visceral Leishmaniasis (VL) have re-emerged in Northern Brazil and cases of Chagas Disease also occur. This VL increase leads to early therapy for the public. Confirmatory parasitological diagnoses in VL are performed by bone marrow or spleen aspiration, but ELISA, IFA or immunochromatographic tests for antibody detection are easily performed and can be used in the presence of clinical signs as confirmatory for specific therapy. This approach is successful in providing therapy and prevention of death in VL, but there is a chance of confusion with the emerging disease, Chagas Disease (CD), due to cross-reacting and similar clinical pictures, as in this case. Both VL and CD presented many asymptomatic or oligosymptomatic cases, complicating the picture. Our case report emphasizes these aspects. Positive serology, with an IIF titer of 1/160, and epidemiological correlation, suggests the diagnosis of VL and imposes antimony therapy. Despite the unfavorable evolution and signs of cardiac involvement, the presence of pericarditis and cardiac tamponade confirmed by the echocardiogram suggests CD. We reassessed the profiles of a suggested CD serology, the diagnosis was corrected and treatment with CD specific benznidazole. The good evolution started with benznidazole corroborates the diagnosis of CD and discards the hypothesis of double infection.

Fatal Cardiac Tamponade following Road Traffic Accident

Cardiac tamponade following blunt trauma results from cardiac rupture,leading to death even before the patient can receive medical attention.In such cases,the collected fluid(blood)in the pericardium inhibits the diastolic filling compressing the myocardium resulting in obstructive shock.We are reporting the case report of a 30-year-old male who was brought dead to the hospital with a history of road traffic accidents.The investigating officer informed that the deceased driver was not wearing a seat belt.Autopsy findings showed fresh blood clots of 600 g in the pericardial sac with rupture of the left ventricular wall of the heart.There were contusions on the anterior aspect of the vertebrae corresponding to the heart level.Although it is impossible to prevent all the cases of cardiac tamponade,we can avoid the ones resulting from trauma.This case intends to stress the importance of wearing a seat belt while driving a car to prevent fatal injuries.

Hemorrhagic cardiac tamponade after percutaneous laser ablation of a liver metastasis in segment II

Despite percutaneous laser thermal ablation(LTA)of liver tumors being regarded as a safe technique,major complications can occur.We report the first case of hemorrhagic cardiac tamponade after LTA of a colorectal metastasis in segment II of the liver.Unpredictable heat diffusion causing indirect thermal injury to the pericardium with resultant hemorrhagic reaction was hypothesized as the most likely cause of tamponade.A pericardial drain was emergently placed,200 mL of bright red blood were drained,and the patient showed rapid hemodynamic improvement.For lesions located in segment II of the liver and strictly close to the pericardium,a careful risk/benefit analysis should be made by the multidisciplinary team to identify the best treatment option,taking into account both effectiveness and complications of each available technique.

Pitfalls in internal jugular vein cannulation

Central venous catheter insertion in the internal jugular vein(IJV)is frequently performed in acute care settings,facilitated by its easy availability and increased use of ultrasound in healthcare settings.Despite the increased safety profile and insertion convenience,it has complications.Herein,we aim to inform readers about the existing literature on the plethora of complications with potentially disastrous consequences for patients undergoing IJV cannulation.

Subxyphoid Pericardial Drainage for Tuberculous Pericardial Effusion in Antananarivo

Introduction: Tuberculosis is the leading cause of pericardial effusion in sub-Saharan African countries. The aim of this study was to describe the diagnosis and the surgical management of tuberculous pericardial effusion in low-income country. Methods: This was a retrospective and descriptive study performed at Vascular Surgery Unit for 10 years-period (from January 2012 to December 2021), including all cases of drainage of pericardial effusion due to tuberculosis. Results: Sixty-seven cases were recorded, including 38 males (56.71%) and 29 women (43.28%). The average age was 35.47 years old. Patients lived in urban areas in 67.16% of cases. Thirteen patients (13.43%) had a previous history of pulmonary tuberculosis. The most common risk factors for tuberculosis infection were malnourishment (80.59%), indoor air pollution (77.61%) and close contact with tuberculosis patient (40.29%). The commonest symptom were dyspnea, (95.52%), chest pain (89.55%), fever (67.16%), tachycardia (95.52%) and cough (80.59%). Twenty-seven patients (39.02%) presented clinical signs of cardiac tamponade. Electrocardiogram showed sinus tachycardia (97.53%) with microvoltage (39.02%). Chest-X-ray showed cardiomegaly (100%) and pleural effusion (56.71%). Echocardiography showed moderate (43.28%) and large (56.71%) pericardial effusion. All patients underwent subxiphoid pericardial drainage. Mycobacterium tuberculosis detection via GeneXpert test of pericardial effusion were positive in 38.80% of patients. Pericardial biopsies confirmed the diagnosis of tuberculosis in 41.79%. The mortality rate was 8.95%. Conclusion: Subxiphoid pericardial drainage reduced thr risk of cardiac tamponade in patients with massive pericardial effusion. Histopathology of pericardial biopsies made a definitive diagnosis for tuberculosis.

Pericardiocentesis with cisplatin for malignant pericardial effusion and tamponade

AIM:To evaluate the role and outcome of pericardiocentesis with intrapericardial cisplatin instillation for malignant pericardial effusion resulting from esophageal cancer. METHODS:We retrospectively studied 7 patients who underwent pericardiocentesis with intrapericardial cisplatin instillation for malignant pericardial effusion resulting from esophageal cancer.After pericardiocentesis,we performed catheterization of the pericardial space under ultrasonogram guidance.Malignant etiology of the pericardial fluid was confirmed by cytological examination.Subsequently,cisplatin(10 mg in 20 mL normal saline) was instilled into the pericardial space. RESULTS:The mean total volume of the aspirated effusion fluid was 782±264 mL(range,400-1200 mL) . The drainage catheter was successfully removed in all patients,and the mean duration of pericardial drainagewas 7.7±2.7 d(range,5-13 d) .No fluid reaccumulation was observed.Mean survival time was 120±71 d(range,68-268 d) . CONCLUSION:Pericardiocentesis along with catheter drainage appears to be a safe and effective for pericardial malignant effusion and tamponade,and cisplatin instillation prevents recurrence.

Coxsackievirus B infection presenting as a hemorrhagic pericardial effusion causing tamponade

The coxsackievirus is well known for its vastly differing clinical presentations.Patients with coxsackievirus usually present with a viral prodrome which can then progress to the cardiac symptoms of chest pain and/or palpitations.Most patients improve quickly with simply supportive care and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications.

Pericardial effusion with tamponade – an uncommon presentation leading to the diagnosis of eosinophilic granulomatosis polyangiitis: A case report

BACKGROUND Eosinophilic granulomatosis polyangiitis(EGPA)is a small vessel necrotizing vasculitis that commonly presents as peripheral eosinophilia and asthma;however,it can rarely manifest with cardiac involvement such as pericarditis and cardiac tamponade.Isolated pericardial tamponade presenting as the initial symptom of EGPA is exceedingly rare.Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are crucial to prevent life-threatening outcomes.CASE SUMMARY 52-year-old woman with no past medical history presented with progressive dyspnea and dry cough.On physical exam she had a pericardial friction rub and bilateral rales.Vital signs were notable for tachycardia at 119 beats per minute and hypoxia with 89%oxygen saturation.On laboratory exam,she had 45%peripheral eosinophilia,troponin elevation of 1.1 ng/mL and N-terminal prohormone of brain natriuretic peptide of 2101 pg/mL.TTE confirmed a large pericardial effusion and tamponade physiology.She underwent urgent pericardial window procedure.Pericardial and lung biopsy demonstrated eosinophilic infiltration.Based on the American College of Radiology guidelines,the patient was diagnosed with EGPA which manifested in its rare form of cardiac tamponade.She was treated with steroid taper and mepolizumab.CONCLUSION This case highlights that when isolated pericardial involvement occurs in EGPA,diagnosis is recognized by performing pericardial biopsy demonstrating histopathologic evidence of eosinophilic infiltration.

Clinical and historical features of emergency department patients with pericardial effusions

BACKGROUND: Diagnosing pericardial effusion is critical for optimal patient care. Typically, clinicians use physical examination ? ndings and historical features suggesting pericardial effusion to determine which patients require echocardiography. The diagnostic characteristics of these tools are not well described. The objective of this study is to determine the prevalence of historical features and sensitivity of clinical signs to inform clinicians when to proceed with echocardiogram.METHODS: A retrospective review of point-of-care echocardiograms performed over a two and a half year period in two emergency departments were reviewed for the presence of a pericardial effusion. Patient charts were reviewed and abstracted for presenting symptoms, historical features and clinical findings. The prevalence of presenting symptoms and historical features and the sensitivity of classic physical examination ? ndings associated with pericardial effusion and tamponade were determined.RESULTS: One hundred and fifty-three patients with pericardial effusion were identified. Of these patients, the most common presenting complaint was chest pain and shortness of breath. Patients had no historical features that would suggest pericardial effusion in 37.5% of cases. None of the patients with pericardial effusion or pericardial tamponade had all of the elements of Beck's triad. The sensitivity of Beck's triad was found to be 0(0%–19.4%). The sensitivity for one ? nding of Beck's triad to diagnose pericardial tamponade was 50%(28.0%–72.0%).CONCLUSION: History and physical examination findings perform poorly as tests for the diagnosis of pericardial effusion or pericardial tamponade. Clinicians must liberally evaluate patients suspected of having a pericardial effusion with echocardiography.

Pericardial decompression syndrome: A comprehensive review

Pericardial decompression syndrome(PDS)is an infrequent,life-threatening complication following pericardial drainage for cardiac tamponade physiology.PDS usually develops after initial clinical improvement following pericardiocentesis and is significantly underreported and may be overlooked in the clinical practice.Although the precise mechanisms resulting in PDS are not well understood,this seems to be highly associated with patients who have some underlying ventricular dysfunction.Physicians performing pericardial drainage should be mindful of the risk factors associated with the procedure including the rare potential for the development of PDS.

Thoracic Endovascular Aortic Repair for Cardiopulmonary Arrest Due to Aortic Dissection

Background and Aim: Reports on recovery from Stanford type A aortic dissection (TAAD) leading to cardiopulmonary arrest (CPA) are few. In retrograde TAAD (r-TAAD) cases, some authors reported the efficacy of thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR). However, only a few reports chose TEVAR for the treatment of r-TAAD resulting in cardiac arrest before hospital arrival. We report a case of r-TAAD presenting with cardiac arrest before hospital arrival not indicated for surgery but TEVAR as treatment. Case: A 65-year-old woman with a history of Marfan syndrome presented to the emergency department after a CPA. Sequential return of spontaneous circulation was achieved 27 min after CPA. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography showed retrograde r-TAAD with an entry tear to the false lumen in the thoracic descending aorta. Therefore, thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) was performed with r-TAAD. Afterward, the clinical course was stabilized. This patient suggests that TEVAR is an effective option for the treatment of patients with hemodynamically unstable r-TAAD, even after CPA. Conclusion: TEVAR can lead to a successful recovery from cardiac arrest due to r-TAAD.

A pilgrim seeking diagnosis

We present the case of an unusual presentation of Dressler’s syndrome and the important role of new imaging techniques in its diagnosis. A 42-year-old man was admitted with progressive dyspnoea and pleuritic chest pain during the last two months. Physical examination showed signs of hemodynamic instability (BP 75/40, HR 120 bpm). X-Ray showed cardiomegaly and electrocardiogram was suggestive of chronic anterior myocardial infarction. Transthoracic echocardiography showed pericardial effusion with signs of hemodynamic compromise. Emergent cardiac surgery was performed with suspicion of cardiac rupture. Only fibrinous material and serous fluid was found. 72 hours later he required reoperation because of recurrence of cardiac tamponade. Pleuropericardial window was made. Anti-inflammatory treatment was initiated. At discharge a magnetic resonance imaging study was performed. Diffuse pericardial inflammation consistent with a diagnosis of Dressler’s syndrome (DS) was demonstrated in T2- weighted black-blood and late enhancement sequences. One month later neither pleural nor pericardial effusion had recurred. Postinfarction pericardial effusions are common and magnetic resonance imaging has proven useful in determining its aetiology.

Multiple organ dysfunction due to a rare complication of Nuss procedure for pectus excavatum:A case report

A 19-year-old male patient who suffered from sudden and repeated multiple organ dysfunction syndrome one month after the bar removal procedure of Nuss surgery for pectus excavatum was admitted to our department.With organ function supportive treatment,the etiology was finally identified to be a bone spur located at the inner border of the left costa due to repeated friction between the implanted steel bar and the rib,which damaged the heart repeatedly and induced the consequent acute cardiac tamponade.After operation,the patient was successfully managed and discharged.Follow-ups till three years indicated a good recovery.