Cardiac Tamponade Secondary to Influenza B Infection

Every year, Influenza infection contributes to significant morbidity and mortality carrying a huge economic burden. Extra-pulmonary manifestations are increasingly being recognized. We present a 29-year-old woman with acute pericarditis and cardiac tamponade requiring emergent pericardiocentesis secondary to Influenza B infection. Although very rare in relation to Influenza B infection, the pericardial disease can occur during the acute infection or as a post-viral syndrome. Considering pericardial disease in patients with chest pain and any viral infection may facilitate timely diagnosis and prevent unnecessary life-threatening complications.