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Resolution of cardiac tamponade in systemic lupus erythematosus with indomethacin
J M Porcel1, A Selva, M P Tornos
1Departamento de Medicina, Hospital General Vall D'Hebron, Barcelona, Spain.
Chest
|November 1, 1989
Insights
Pericarditis is common in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), but cardiac tamponade is rare. Indomethacin effectively treated cardiac tamponade in an SLE patient, avoiding invasive procedures.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Rheumatology
- Internal Medicine
Background:
- Pericarditis is a frequent complication in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE).
- Cardiac tamponade, a severe form of pericarditis, is an uncommon but critical manifestation in SLE patients.
- Traditional management for cardiac tamponade involves pericardiocentesis or surgical drainage.
Observation:
- A 19-year-old female patient presented with acute cardiac tamponade.
- The patient was diagnosed with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) as the underlying cause.
- Hemodynamic compromise was evident due to the pericardial effusion.
Findings:
- Treatment with indomethacin, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), was initiated.
- Rapid improvement in hemodynamic status was observed following indomethacin administration.
- The patient's condition stabilized, obviating the need for pericardiocentesis.
Implications:
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like indomethacin may offer a less invasive therapeutic option for cardiac tamponade in SLE.
- This case highlights the potential efficacy of medical management in preventing invasive procedures for SLE-related cardiac tamponade.
- Further research into NSAID use for managing cardiac tamponade in autoimmune diseases is warranted.
Abstract:
Although in SLE pericarditis is common, cardiac tamponade is rare and its usual treatment has been effusion drainage. A 19-year-old girl presenting with cardiac tamponade was diagnosed with SLE. Treatment with indomethacin rapidly reduced the hemodynamic compromise, avoiding the need for pericardiocentesis.