Pericardial Tamponade in an Adult Suffering from Acute Mumps Infection

Area of Science:

• Infectious Diseases
• Cardiology
• Virology

Background:

• Mumps is a viral illness typically affecting children, with widespread vaccination significantly reducing its incidence in pediatric populations.
• While generally mild, mumps virus (Paramyxoviridae family) can cause serious complications, particularly in unvaccinated or under-vaccinated individuals.
• Adult presentation of mumps is less common, potentially leading to delayed diagnosis and management of associated severe sequelae.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a rare case of acute pericardial tamponade secondary to mumps infection in an adult.
• To emphasize mumps as a critical differential diagnosis in adults presenting with symptoms suggestive of systemic viral illness and cardiac complications.
• To underscore the potential for life-threatening outcomes from mumps in the adult population.

Main Methods:

• Clinical case presentation of a 51-year-old male.
• Diagnostic workup included serological testing for mumps IgM and IgG antibodies.
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) was utilized to assess for associated glandular swelling.

Main Results:

• The patient presented with symptoms of sore throat, headache, malaise, and sweats, progressing to acute pericardial tamponade.
• Serological tests confirmed acute mumps infection, with elevated mumps IgM and IgG levels.
• MRI revealed atypical swelling of the left submandibular gland, consistent with parotitis.

Conclusions:

• This case demonstrates that mumps can cause severe, life-threatening complications such as pericardial tamponade in adults.
• Healthcare providers should maintain a high index of suspicion for mumps in adults presenting with relevant symptoms and cardiac emergencies.
• The findings reinforce the need for continued vigilance regarding mumps, even in populations with high vaccination rates.