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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.
Texas Heart Institute Journal
|September 30, 2020
Summary
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.
Keywords:
Accidents, trafficanti-inflammatory agents/therapeutic useheart diseases/diagnosis/drug therapypericardial effusion/complications/diagnosis/physiopathology/therapypericarditis, constrictive/diagnosis/etiologypericardium/injuriesthoracic injuries/complicationstime factorstreatment outcomewounds, nonpenetrating/complications
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