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Posttraumatic Subacute Effusive-Constrictive Pericarditis After a Motor Vehicle Accident
Melroy S D'Souza1, Kaitlin Shinn2, Anup D Patel1
1Department of Internal Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia 30307.
Abstract:
Effusive-constrictive pericarditis is typically caused by tuberculosis or other severe inflammatory conditions that affect the pericardium. We report a case of effusive-constrictive pericarditis consequent to a motor vehicle accident. A 32-year-old man with gastroesophageal reflux disease presented with severe substernal chest pain of a month's duration and dyspnea on exertion for one week. Echocardiograms revealed a moderate pericardial effusion, and the diagnosis was subacute effusive-constrictive pericarditis. After thorough tests revealed nothing definitive, we learned that the patient had been in a motor vehicle accident weeks before symptom onset, which made blunt trauma the most likely cause of pericardial injury and effusion. Medical management resolved the effusion and improved his symptoms. To our knowledge, this is the first report of effusion from posttraumatic constrictive pericarditis associated with a motor vehicle accident. We encourage providers to consider recent trauma as a possible cause of otherwise idiopathic pericarditis.
Insights
A motor vehicle accident caused effusive-constrictive pericarditis in a patient presenting with chest pain and dyspnea. This case highlights trauma as a potential cause of pericarditis, even without direct chest impact.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Trauma Surgery
Background:
- Effusive-constrictive pericarditis typically stems from infections like tuberculosis or severe inflammatory processes.
- The condition involves fluid accumulation and constriction of the pericardium, impacting cardiac function.
Observation:
- A 32-year-old male presented with substernal chest pain and exertional dyspnea.
- Echocardiography confirmed a moderate pericardial effusion, leading to a diagnosis of subacute effusive-constrictive pericarditis.
Findings:
- Despite extensive testing, the etiology remained unclear until a history of a recent motor vehicle accident was revealed.
- Blunt trauma from the accident was identified as the probable cause of pericardial injury and subsequent effusion.
Implications:
- This case represents the first reported instance of effusive-constrictive pericarditis secondary to trauma from a motor vehicle accident.
- Clinicians should consider recent trauma as a potential cause of idiopathic pericarditis.
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