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Cardiac tamponade in a child with ascariasis
G S Papadopoulos1, N G Eleftherakis, B D Thanopoulos
1Department of Pediatric Cardiology, Aghia Sofia Childrens' Hospital, Athens, Greece. vasiliosthanopoulos@usa.net
Cardiology in the Young
|October 26, 2000
Summary
Severe ascariasis can cause heart problems. This study reports a rare case of pericardial effusion and cardiac tamponade in a child due to Ascaris infection, highlighting potential cardiac complications.
Area of Science:
- Parasitology
- Cardiology
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Ascariasis is a common human parasitic infection caused by Ascaris roundworms.
- Severe ascariasis can lead to systemic complications, including potential cardiac involvement through portal circulation.
- Pericardial involvement in ascariasis has not been previously documented.
Observation:
- A child presented with severe ascariasis.
- The child developed significant pericardial effusion and cardiac tamponade.
- Parasitic migration through the intestinal wall and portal circulation was suspected as the cause.
Findings:
- This case represents the first reported instance of pericardial effusion and cardiac tamponade secondary to ascariasis.
- The findings suggest that Ascaris parasites can, in severe cases, lead to direct or indirect cardiac compromise.
- Diagnostic evaluation confirmed the association between the parasitic infection and the cardiac condition.
Implications:
- This case expands the known spectrum of cardiac complications associated with ascariasis.
- Clinicians should consider ascariasis in the differential diagnosis of unexplained pericardial effusion and cardiac tamponade, especially in endemic areas.
- Further research may be warranted to elucidate the mechanisms of cardiac involvement in severe helminthic infections.