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[Acute effusive-constrictive pericarditis in influenza A]
N Reichman1, N Kaufman, E Flatau
1Dept. of Medicine B, Central Emek Hospital, Afula.
Abstract:
Constrictive pericarditis may complicate the course of several viral infections, mainly Coxsackie virus group B, as well as in rheumatoid disease, radiation and neoplasm. Perimyocardial involvement during influenzal infections is usually mild and does not progress to constriction or tamponade. A single case of cardiac tamponade caused by influenza A was reported in 1986. We report a case of acute effusive-constrictive pericarditis due to influenza A infection. Corticosteroids resulted in some benefit, but did not relieve constriction, which required extensive pericardiectomy.
Insights
Influenza A can cause acute effusive-constrictive pericarditis, a rare complication. While corticosteroids offered partial relief, surgical pericardiectomy was ultimately needed for this severe cardiac condition.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Pathology
Background:
- Constrictive pericarditis is a known complication of viral infections, rheumatoid disease, radiation, and neoplasms.
- Influenza infections typically cause mild perimyocardial involvement, rarely progressing to constriction or cardiac tamponade.
- A single prior case of influenza A-induced cardiac tamponade was documented in 1986.