Biventricular transient systolic dysfunction after mitral valve replacement: Pericardial decompression syndrome

Pericardial decompression syndrome is defined as paradoxical hemodynamic instability, left ventricular or bi ventricular systolic dysfunction and pulmonary edema after pericardial fluid drainage. Pericardial Decompression Syndrome is an unexpected clinical scenario with an incidence less than 5% in all surgically or percutaneously managed pericardial tamponade patients. The aim of this manuscript was to describe a case with cardiac tamponade in whom acute biventricular heart failure and pulmonary edema developed after surgical creation of a pericardial window, and to discuss this case in light of the literature.

A 43-year-old woman who underwent mitral valve replacement three weeks ago admitted to our hospital with dyspnea, tachycardia, and atrial fibrillation. Large quantity of pericardial fluid (35mm in the posterior wall, 25mm in the anterior wall) with partial compression of the right ventricle and 50% left ventricle ejection fraction (LVEF) was determined via transthoracic echocardiography (TTE). After creation of pericardio-pleural window, more than 1000ml of serosanguineous fluid were quickly removed from the pericardial space. During the following hours of the decompression, the patient's condition deteriorated and overt pulmonary edema developed. On the second day, biventricular systolic dysfunction, global diffuse hypokinesia and 15-20% LVEF was observed via TTE. High-dose inotropic support and diuretics was continued. During follow up she was progressively weaned off inotropes, LVEF were raised to 35%. Two weeks later, repeated TTE showed normal biventricular systolic function and LVEF was 50%.

We recommend gradual removal of pericardial effusion under hemodynamic monitoring, especially in patient with postcardiotomy tamponade.