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Updated: May 12, 2026

An Intact Pericardium Ischemic Rodent Model
Published on: September 2, 2021
Pericardial Effusion in a Patient with Non-ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction: Beware of a Hidden Malefactor
Mamatha Punjee Raja Rao1, Prashanth Panduranga, Mahmood Al-Jufaili
1Department of Emergency Medicine, Royal Hospital, P.O. Box 1331, Muscat 111, Oman.
Abstract:
Pericarditis with pericardial effusion in acute coronary syndrome is seen in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction specifically when infarction is anterior, extensive, and Q wave. It is very uncommon to have pericardial effusion in a patient with non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction. We present an elderly hypertensive patient who was diagnosed as non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction with pericardial effusion that turned out to be acute aortic dissection with catastrophic end. We conclude that, in patients with suspected diagnosis of non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction or unstable angina, if pericardial effusion is detected on echocardiography, aortic dissection needs to be considered.
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