Muay Thai Almost Drowned My Heart - A Case Report

Area of Science:

• Sports Medicine
• Cardiology
• Thoracic Surgery

Background:

• Rib fractures are common in contact sports.
• Pyopneumothorax is a known complication of rib fractures.
• Progression to purulent pericarditis and cardiac tamponade is rare.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a rare case of purulent pericarditis and cardiac tamponade secondary to a traumatic rib fracture.
• To emphasize the importance of recognizing and managing severe complications of rib fractures.

Main Methods:

• Case report of a 41-year-old Muay Thai fighter.
• Diagnosis of purulent pericarditis with cardiac tamponade from contiguous spread of infection.
• Emergency pericardial and pleural drainage.
• Empiric broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy.

Main Results:

• Successful treatment of purulent pericarditis and cardiac tamponade.
• Negative cultures from pericardial and pleural fluid.
• Significant efficacy of empiric antibiotic therapy.

Conclusions:

• This case highlights a rare but life-threatening complication of traumatic rib fractures.
• Prompt recognition and intervention, including drainage and antibiotics, are crucial for favorable outcomes.
• Contact sports participants with rib fractures require vigilant monitoring for severe intrathoracic complications.