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Recurrent pericardial effusion and tamponade in a patient with Erdheim-Chester disease (ECD)
Ajay Kumar Mishra1, Sunithi Mani2, Anu Anna George3
1Department of Internal Medicine, Christian Medical College, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India.
Insights
Erdheim-Chester disease (ECD), a rare disorder, can affect the heart. This case highlights ECD presenting as recurrent pericardial effusion and tamponade, a critical cardiac manifestation.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular pathology
- Rare diseases
- Histiocytic disorders
Background:
- Erdheim-Chester disease (ECD) is a rare xanthogranulomatous disorder characterized by lipid-laden histiocyte proliferation.
- While bone pain is common, cardiac involvement like periaortic fibrosis and pericardial issues can occur in a subset of patients.
Observation:
- This report details a specific case of Erdheim-Chester disease.
- The patient presented with recurrent pericardial effusion.
Findings:
- The case demonstrated significant pericardial effusion leading to cardiac tamponade.
- This highlights a less common but severe cardiac manifestation of ECD.
Implications:
- Recognizing cardiac involvement in ECD is crucial for timely diagnosis and management.
- Pericardial effusion and tamponade should be considered in the differential diagnosis of unexplained cardiac issues in ECD patients.
Abstract:
Erdheim-Chester disease (ECD) is a rare xanthogranulomatous disorder characterised by the proliferation of lipid laden histiocytes along with infiltration of various organs of the body. Although commonly presenting with bone pains secondary to bony infiltration, cardiac involvement in the form of periaortic fibrosis and pericardial involvement may be seen in a subgroup of patients. We report a case of ECD presenting as recurrent pericardial effusion along with pericardial tamponade.
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