Hypovolemia-induced Cardiac Tamponade in a Patient with Hypothyroidism

Pericardial effusion occurs frequently in patients with hypothyroidism and is typically mild. Although extremely uncommon, massive pericardial effusion can compromise hemodynamics and cause cardiac tamponade. Reduced plasma volume has been reported to induce cardiac tamponade in massive pericardial effusion, but to our knowledge, hypovolemia-induced cardiac tamponade has not been reported in cases of hypothyroidism with pericardial effusion.

We describe a case of hypothyroidism with cardiac tamponade due to an uncommon cause that, to our knowledge, has never been reported.

A 64-year-old woman with untreated hypothyroidism presented with acute abdominal pain and watery diarrhea. The patient experienced shock and cardiac arrest during the examination. Massive pericardial effusion was detected and cardiac tamponade was diagnosed. We suspected that the pericardial effusion was pre-existing due to an 11-year history of untreated hypothyroidism. On presentation, there was no hemodynamic compromise. Watery diarrhea persisted and intravenous fluid supplementation may have been inadequate. Hypovolemia developed and induced cardiac tamponade in the presence of the massive pericardial effusion. Successful resuscitation was achieved after cardiopulmonary resuscitation, aggressive intravenous fluid supplementation, and immediate pericardiocentesis.

Pericardiocentesis is indicated for hypothyroid patients with cardiac tamponade. We recommend the use of small, multi-hole catheters and daily measurement of drainage fluid. If the pericardial effusion does not resolve, a pericardial window with chest tube drainage should be performed.