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Cardiac tamponade following varicella
R Kirk1, N Marlow, S A Qureshi
1Department of Paediatric Cardiology, Royal Liverpool Children's Hospital, U.K.
International Journal of Cardiology
|November 1, 1987
Summary
A child developed cardiac tamponade after varicella (chickenpox). Treatment included pericardiocentesis, pericardiectomy, and corticosteroids, leading to a full recovery.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Cardiology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Varicella (chickenpox) is a common viral infection in children.
- Cardiac complications following varicella are rare but can be severe.
- Cardiac tamponade is a life-threatening condition caused by fluid accumulation around the heart.
Observation:
- An 18-month-old girl presented with symptoms of cardiac tamponade.
- The onset of cardiac tamponade occurred five weeks post-varicella infection.
- Physical examination revealed signs consistent with significant pericardial effusion.
Findings:
- Echocardiography confirmed the presence of pericardial effusion causing cardiac tamponade.
- Emergency pericardiocentesis was performed to drain the pericardial fluid.
- Anterior pericardiectomy was subsequently performed for definitive management.
Implications:
- This case highlights a rare but serious cardiac complication of varicella in pediatric patients.
- Prompt diagnosis and multi-modal treatment, including surgical intervention, are crucial for favorable outcomes.
- Corticosteroid therapy may play a role in managing post-viral pericarditis and preventing recurrence.