Pericardial tamponade in sarcoidosis

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Pulmonology
• Rheumatology

Background:

• Sarcoidosis is a multisystem inflammatory disease characterized by non-caseating granulomas.
• Right-sided heart failure in sarcoidosis typically results from cor pulmonale or myocardial involvement.

Observation:

• A patient presented with a three-month history of progressive right heart failure.
• Physical examination revealed nodules on the pericardium and serosanguineous pericardial fluid.
• Biopsies confirmed non-caseating granulomas in the pericardium, lung, and skin.

Findings:

• The patient was diagnosed with sarcoid pericarditis complicated by pericardial tamponade.
• This presentation highlights an uncommon cause of right heart failure in sarcoidosis.

Implications:

• Pericardial tamponade should be considered in the differential diagnosis of right heart failure in patients with known sarcoidosis.
• Early recognition and management of sarcoid pericarditis are crucial for improving patient outcomes.