Cardiac tamponade secondary to hypothyroidism.

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Cardiology

Background:

• Hypothyroidism is a common endocrine disorder affecting multiple body systems.
• Pericardial effusion is a known complication, but cardiac tamponade is rare.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a rare case of cardiac tamponade secondary to hypothyroidism.
• To highlight the importance of considering hypothyroidism in patients with cardiac tamponade, especially with a normal heart rate.

Main Methods:

• Case report of a woman in her mid-60s presenting with symptoms of hypothyroidism and cardiac tamponade.
• Management involved urgent pericardiocentesis and initiation of oral thyroxine replacement therapy.

Main Results:

• The patient presented with dyspnea, hypotension, tachypnea, and hypoxia, with echocardiography confirming massive pericardial effusion and cardiac tamponade.
• Successful management with pericardiocentesis and thyroxine replacement.

Conclusions:

• Cardiac tamponade is a medical emergency requiring prompt intervention.
• Hypothyroidism should be suspected in patients with cardiac tamponade, particularly those with a normal pulse rate or bradycardia.