Ischemic hepatitis secondary to cardiac tamponade, a rare cause

Ischemic hepatitis (IH) is a rare entity, usually associated with hypoperfusion secondary to low cardiac output (congestive heart failure, acute myocardial infarction or dilated cardiomyopathy), followed in frequency by respiratory insufficiency and sepsis. A 49-year-old man presented at the emergency room with progressive dyspnea and hypotension, objectifying a significant increase in transaminases (aspartate transferase 5.550 U / L, alanine transferase 3.826 U / L) and LDH (10.375 U / L). Liver Doppler ultrasound was normal. The echocardiogram confirmed the suspected diagnosis of massive pericardial effusion. Cardiac tamponade is a rare cause for this clinical picture. In the case of our patient, rapid diagnosis and urgent pericardiocentesis led to his prompt recovery.