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Delayed hemopericardium and associated pericardial mass after blunt chest trauma
Michael W Taylor1, James C Garber, William C Boswell
1Department of General Surgery, Memorial Health University Medical Center, Savannah, GA, USA.
Insights
Pediatric pericardial effusion after trauma may indicate hemorrhage. This case highlights a rare cause of large pericardial effusion and mass in children, discussing its evaluation and treatment.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Cardiology
- Cardiovascular Pathology
- Trauma Medicine
Background:
- Pericardial effusion in children presents a broad differential diagnosis.
- Trauma history in pediatric patients necessitates considering hemorrhagic pericardial effusion.
- Identifying rare causes of pericardial effusion is crucial for appropriate management.
Observation:
- A pediatric patient presented with a large pericardial effusion and an associated pericardial mass.
- The patient's history included trauma, suggesting a potential hemorrhagic etiology.
- This clinical presentation is uncommon in the pediatric population.
Findings:
- The pericardial effusion was significant in size.
- A distinct pericardial mass was identified alongside the effusion.
- Diagnostic workup aimed to elucidate the nature of the effusion and mass.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of considering hemorrhage in pediatric pericardial effusion with trauma.
- Management strategies for rare pericardial pathologies in children require careful consideration.
- Reviewing literature aids in understanding and treating such rare cardiovascular conditions in pediatric patients.
Abstract:
The finding of a pericardial effusion in the pediatric population evokes an extensive list of differential diagnoses. With the added history of trauma the effusion should be considered secondary to hemorrhage. We present a patient with such a history who was admitted to the hospital with the finding of a large pericardial effusion and an associated pericardial mass. The evaluation and treatment of this rare pathology are discussed as well as a review of the literature.