Primary Hypothyroidism Presenting as Cardiac Tamponade

Hypothyroidism is commonly associated with pericardial effusion, but it can be rarely complicated by cardiac tamponade. We report a case series of two patients who presented with shortness of breath and distension of the abdomen, progressing to generalized edema. Each of them was found to have cardiac tamponade at presentation and eventually diagnosed with hypothyroidism. They were managed by urgent pericardiocentesis followed by intermittent drainage of the collected pericardial effusion along with thyroxine replacement to which they responded. The presence of cardiac tamponade with bradycardia should raise a suspicion of a hypothyroid etiology. Early diagnosis and treatment of hypothyroidism are essential to prevent such complications.

Panda PK, Pattar S, Singh BO, Cheema T. Primary Hypothyroidism Presenting as Cardiac Tamponade. Indian J Crit Care Med 2022;26(5):655-657.