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Pericarditis after trauma resulting in delayed cardiac tamponade
Riyad Karmy-Jones1, Tina Yen, Carol Cornejo
1Department of Surgery, Harborview Medical Center, Seattle, Washington 98104, USA. karmy@u.washington.edu
The Annals of Thoracic Surgery
|July 18, 2002
Summary
Pericarditis after cardiac trauma is rare but can lead to cardiac tamponade. Early clinical suspicion and prompt management are crucial for patients experiencing pericarditis following penetrating trauma.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Trauma Surgery
- Inflammatory Medicine
Background:
- Pericarditis, inflammation of the pericardium, can complicate cardiac trauma.
- Cardiac tamponade, a life-threatening condition, may arise from pericarditis post-trauma.
- The pathogenesis involves autoimmune reactions or inflammation due to pericardial blood.
Observation:
- Two cases of pericarditis following penetrating trauma are presented.
- One patient developed effusive pericarditis, while the other experienced constrictive pericarditis.
- Both cases occurred within two weeks of trauma not directly involving the heart.
Findings:
- Penetrating trauma near the heart can precipitate pericarditis, leading to effusive or constrictive forms.
- Delayed diagnosis of pericarditis post-trauma can result in severe cardiac complications.
- Prompt recognition and intervention are key to managing pericarditis after cardiac trauma.
Implications:
- Highlights the importance of considering pericarditis in trauma patients, even without direct cardiac injury.
- Emphasizes the need for high clinical suspicion and aggressive management strategies.
- Informs diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for pericarditis complicating cardiac trauma.