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A rare case of effusive constrictive cholesterol pericarditis: a case report and review

Van W Adamson1, Jennifer N Slim, Kenneth M Leclerc

  • 1Cardiology Service, San Antonio Military Medical Center, Fort Sam Houston, San Antonio, TX 78234, USA.

Case Reports in Medicine
|April 23, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Effusive constrictive cholesterol pericarditis, a rare condition with high cholesterol levels in pericardial fluid, was diagnosed in a 68-year-old male. Pathology confirmed cholesterol crystal formation, leading to surgical intervention.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Pathology

Background:

  • Effusive constrictive cholesterol pericarditis is an exceptionally rare condition.
  • Etiologies are often unclear but may involve rheumatoid arthritis, tuberculosis, or hypothyroidism.
  • A key diagnostic feature is markedly elevated cholesterol levels within the pericardial effusion.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To present a case of effusive constrictive cholesterol pericarditis.
  • To highlight the diagnostic and pathological findings in a rare clinical presentation.

Main Methods:

  • Clinical case presentation of a 68-year-old male with dyspnea.
  • Diagnostic evaluation of moderate pericardial effusion.
  • Surgical intervention (stripping) and subsequent pathological review.

Main Results:

  • The patient presented with prolonged dyspnea and a moderate pericardial effusion.
  • The effusion was diagnosed as constrictive and effusive in etiology.
  • Pathology confirmed the presence of cholesterol crystal formation.

Conclusions:

  • Cholesterol pericarditis can present with effusive and constrictive features.
  • Pathological confirmation of cholesterol crystals is crucial for diagnosis.
  • Surgical management may be indicated for symptomatic relief.

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