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Cholesterol Pericarditis

Tasveer Khawaja1, Rafey Feroze2, Brian D Hoit1,2

  • 1Department of Medicine, University Hospitals, Cleveland, Ohio, USA.

JACC. Case Reports
|July 12, 2022
PubMed

Insights

Cholesterol pericarditis, a rare heart condition, can cause large effusions. This case highlights an asymptomatic man with a massive effusion and impending cardiac tamponade.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Pericardial Diseases

Background:

  • Cholesterol pericarditis is a rare cause of pericardial effusion.
  • It is characterized by cholesterol crystals within the pericardial fluid.
  • Effusions are typically large, chronic, and cholesterol-rich.

Observation:

  • A 51-year-old man presented with an asymptomatic massive pericardial effusion.
  • Echocardiography revealed significant fluid accumulation.
  • The effusion showed signs of impending cardiac tamponade.

Findings:

  • The pericardial effusion was confirmed to be cholesterol-rich.
  • Despite being asymptomatic, the patient was at high risk for tamponade.
  • This case underscores the potential for silent, severe pericardial disease.

Implications:

  • Early recognition of cholesterol pericarditis is crucial, even in asymptomatic individuals.
  • Prompt diagnosis and management can prevent life-threatening complications like cardiac tamponade.
  • Further research into the pathogenesis and optimal treatment of cholesterol pericarditis is warranted.

Keywords:
CMR, cardiac magnetic resonanceECG, electrocardiogramLV, left ventricularRA, right atrialRV, right ventricularcardiac magnetic resonanceconstrictive pericarditisechocardiographyhemodynamicsimagingpericardial effusionright-sided catheterizationtamponade

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