Pericardial-Peritoneal Window as an Alternative Treatment for Large and Recurrent Pericardial Effusion Post-Pericardiotomy

Abstract Introduction: The presence of mild to moderate pericardial effusion after cardiac surgery is common and oral medical therapy is usually able to treat it. Larger effusions are less frequent and surgical intervention is usually necessary. However, there are some rare cases of large effusions that are recurrent even after intervention and become challenging to treat. Methods: We describe the case of a patient submitted to coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) without any intraoperative complications, who was regularly discharged from the hospital. She was referred to our emergency department twice after surgery with large pericardial effusion that was drained. Even after those two interventions and with adequate oral medication, the large effusion recurred. Results: During follow-up, the patient had her symptoms resolved, with no need for further hospital admission. Her echocardiograms after the last intervention showed no pericardial effusion. The present surgical technique demonstrated to be easy to perform, thus it should be considered as a treatment option for these rare cases of large and repetitive effusions, which do not respond to the traditional methods. Conclusions: In challenging cases of recurrent and large pericardial effusions, the pericardial-peritoneal window is an alternative surgical technique that brings clinical improvement and diminishes the risk of cardiac tamponade.

Linfoma pericárdico primario a células T/NK: reporte de un caso / Primary pericardial T/NK cell lymphoma: case report / Linfoma pericárdico primário de células T/NK: relato de um caso

Los linfomas cardíacos primarios son un subtipo muy poco frecuente de tumor en los cuales la lesión primaria se encuentra en el corazón. Los tumores suelen ser infiltrantes y se localizan en la aurícula derecha, seguidos del pericardio. Su mortalidad es notablemente alta y el diagnóstico tardío es el principal factor para su mal pronóstico. Describimos el caso de un paciente que presentó shock obstructivo por derrame pericárdico profuso causado por un tipo raro de tumor cardíaco primario, un linfoma pericárdico de células T/NK.

Primary cardiac lymphomas are a rare subtype of lymphomas in which the primary lesion is in the heart. The tumors are usually located in the right atria, followed by the pericardium and are frequently infiltrative. Mortality is remarkably high in this group and the delayed diagnosis is the main factor for its poor prognosis. We describe the case of a patient that presented with obstructive shock due to profuse pericardial effuse caused by a rare kind of primary cardiac tumor, a T/NK cell pericardial lymphoma.

Os linfomas cardíacos primários são um subtipo de tumor muito raro, no qual a lesão primária está no coração. Os tumores geralmente são infiltrativos e localizam-se no átrio direito, seguidos pelo pericárdio. Sua mortalidade é notavelmente alta e o diagnóstico tardio é o principal fator que produz seu mau prognóstico. Descrevemos o caso de um paciente que apresentou choque obstrutivo devido a um derrame pericárdico profuso causado por um tipo raro de tumor cardíaco primário, um linfoma pericárdico de células T/NK.

Pericarditis tuberculosa: una manifestación extrapulmonar infrecuente de TBC / Tuberculous pericarditis an infrequent extrapulmonary manifestation of TB

Extrapulmonary tuberculosis (TB) contributes to 15% of total cases, representing a great diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. Pericardial involvement is present in 1 to 2% of TB patients and is considered an unusual presentation form of TB. We report a 67-year-old male presenting with fever and progressive dyspnea. A chest CAT scan showed a bilateral pleural effusion and an extensive pericardial effusion. An echocardiogram showed signs of tamponade. Therefore, an emergency pericardiectomy was performed. The pathological report of pericardial tissue showed caseating necrosis and its Koch culture was positive. The patient was treated with anti-tuberculous drugs with a favorable evolution.

Amiloidose cardíaca: cardiomiopatia infiltrativa com comportamento hemodinâmico restritivo ­ relato de caso / Cardiac amyloidosis: infiltrative cardiomyopathy with restrictive hemodynamic behavior ­ case report

A amiloidose é uma condição rara que descreve um grupo heterogêneo de distúrbios que cursam com a deposição extracelular de agregados proteicos fibrilares em tecidos e órgãos. Relata-se aqui o caso de paciente do sexo masculino, com 76 anos de idade, que, há 2 meses, iniciou quadro progressivo de dispneia aos mínimos esforços. Na investigação, observou-se aumento cardíaco global, e o ecocardiograma evidenciou cardiopatia restritiva infiltrativa e derrame pericárdico. Pela elevada suspeição clínica, foi solicitada ressonância magnética cardíaca, que foi altamente sugestiva de amiloidose cardíaca. Dessa forma, assim como no caso relatado, o acometimento cardíaco possui como principal forma de manifestação o tipo miocardiopatia restritivo, sendo um quadro de insuficiência cardíaca crônica com etiologia de difícil diagnóstico em pacientes acima de 50 anos, com prognóstico bastante reservado. Assim, apesar de permanecer como um desafio diagnóstico para o clínico, sua hipótese deve sempre ser aventada na ausência de outra causa que justifique tais achados (AU)

Late cardiac tamponade in a patient victim of penetrating trauma - case report

Abstract Case Presentation: A case of a 49-year-old patient, male, victim of stab wound, developing belatedly cardiac tamponade and hemodynamic stability was reported. The patient underwent a pericardial window with drainage of pericardial effusion of blackened aspect; however, without visualization of the cardiac lesion, enlargement of the incision by median sternotomy was opted for. A hematoma was spotted at the left ventricle with epicardial lesion and a patch of pericardium was made with 3-0 polypropylene. The patient developed acute pulmonary edema and atrial fibrillation, which improved after the intensive care unit clinical management, with hospital discharge in the 7th postoperative day.

Derrame pericárdico como forma de debut del lupus eritematoso sistémico / Pericardial effusion as a debut form of systemic lupus erythematosus

Introducción: El lupus eritematoso sistémico tiene múltiples formas de presentarse; entre las manifestaciones cardíacas, es frecuente la afectación pericárdica, pero es poco frecuente que su forma de debut sea el derrame pericárdico. Objetivo: Destacar la importancia del diagnóstico precoz de una de las formas menos frecuentes de debut del lupus eritamatoso sistémico. Caso clínico: Se presenta el caso de una paciente de 50 años, que ingresó porque desde hacía 3 meses sufría dolor torácico, disnea, tos, síntomas articulares, dermatológicos y generales. Luego de la sospecha y el estudio clínico, hematológico, imagenológico y biopsia de piel, se diagnosticó precozmente derrame pericárdico por lupus eritematoso sistémico. Se impuso tratamiento oportuno con esteroides, y la evolución fue favorable. Conclusiones: A pesar del bajo índice de sospecha, se tuvo en cuenta al lupus eritematoso sistémico y se procedió a las determinaciones analíticas que confirmaron el diagnóstico(AU)

Introduction: Systemic lupus erythematosus has multiple ways of presentation; among cardiac manifestations, pericardial involvement is frequent, but it is rare that its debut form is the pericardial effusion. Objective: To emphasize the importance of early diagnosis of one of the less frequent forms of systemic lupus erythematosus. Clinical case: We present the case of a 50-year-old patient, who had been admitted for 3 months because of chest pain, dyspnea, cough, joint, dermatological and general symptoms. After the suspicion and the clinical, hematological, imaging and skin biopsy, pericardial effusion was diagnosed early due to systemic lupus erythematosus. Timely treatment with steroids was imposed, and the evolution was favorable. Conclusions: Despite the low index of suspicion, the systemic lupus erythematosus was taken into account and the analytical determinations that confirmed the diagnosis were made(AU)

Looking for the reason of hemodynamic instability: a case report of the role of intraoperative ultrasound / Buscando o motivo da instabilidade hemodinâmica: relato de caso sobre o papel do ultrassom intraoperatório

Abstract Background and objectives: A prompt and effective management of trauma patient is necessary. The aim of this case report is to highlight the importance of intraoperative echocardiography as a useful tool in patients suffering from refractory hemodynamic instability no otherwise explained. Case report: A 41 year-old woman suffered a car accident. At the emergency department, no abnormalities were found in ECG or chest X-ray. Abdominal ultrasound revealed the presence of abdominal free liquid and the patient was submitted to urgent exploratory laparotomy. Nevertheless, she persisted suffering arterial hypotension and metabolic acidosis. Looking for the reason of her hemodynamic instability, intraoperative transthoracic echocardiography was performed, finding out the presence of pericardial effusion. Once the cardiac surgeon extracted pericardial clots, patient's situation improved clinically and analytically. Conclusion: Every anesthesiologist should be able to use the intraoperative echocardiography as an effective tool in order to establish the appropriate measures to promote the survival of patients suffering severe trauma.

Resumo Justificativa e objetivos: O atendimento rápido e eficaz do paciente de trauma é necessário. O objetivo deste relato de caso foi destacar a importância do ecocardiograma intraoperatório como uma ferramenta útil em pacientes que sofrem de instabilidade hemodinâmica refratária sem explicação aparente. Relato de caso: Uma mulher de 41 anos sofreu um acidente de automóvel. No departamento de emergência, nenhuma anormalidade foi encontrada no ECG ou na radiografia de tórax. Uma ultrassonografia abdominal revelou a presença de líquido livre no abdome, e a paciente foi submetida à laparotomia exploradora de urgência. No entanto, a paciente continuou apresentando hipotensão arterial e acidose metabólica. Na busca pelo motivo de sua instabilidade hemodinâmica, um ecocardiograma transtorácico foi realizado no período intraoperatório e constatou a presenc¸a de derrame pericárdico. Após a remoção dos coágulos pericárdicos pelo cirurgião cardíaco, a condição da paciente melhorou clínica e analiticamente. Conclusão: Todo anestesiologista deve saber utilizar o ecocardiograma intraoperatório como ferramenta eficaz para estabelecer as medidas adequadas para promover a sobrevida de pacientes com traumatismos graves.

Associação de meningite e pericardite na doença pneumocócica invasiva: um caso raro / Association of meningitis and pericarditis in invasive pneumococcal disease: a rare case

RESUMO Objetivo: Relatar um caso raro de uma criança com meningite associada a pericardite na doença pneumocócica invasiva. Descrição do caso: Este relato descreve uma evolução clínica desfavorável de um lactente feminino de 6 meses de idade, previamente hígido, que apresentou inicialmente sintomas respiratórios e febre. A radiografia de tórax revelou um aumento da área cardíaca sem alterações radiográficas nos pulmões. Após a identificação do derrame pericárdico, o paciente apresentou convulsões e entrou em coma. Pneumonia foi descartada durante a investigação clínica. Contudo, foi identificado Streptococcus pneumoniae nas culturas de líquor e sangue. O exame neurológico inicial foi compatível com morte encefálica, posteriormente confirmada pelo protocolo. Comentários: A pericardite purulenta tornou-se uma complicação rara da doença pneumocócica invasiva desde o advento da terapia antibiótica. Pacientes com pneumonia extensa são primariamente predispostos e, mesmo com tratamento adequado e precoce, estão sujeitos a altas taxas de mortalidade. A associação de meningite pneumocócica e pericardite é incomum e, portanto, de difícil diagnóstico. Por isso, uma alta suspeição diagnóstica é necessária para instituir o tratamento precoce e aumentar a sobrevida.

ABSTRACT Objective: To report a rare case of a child with invasive pneumococcal disease that presented meningitis associated with pericarditis. Case description: This report describes the unfavorable clinical course of a previously healthy 6-months-old female infant who initially presented symptoms of fever and respiratory problems. A chest X-ray revealed an increased cardiac area with no radiographic changes in the lungs. After identifying a pericardial effusion, the patient experienced seizures and went into coma. Pneumonia was excluded as a possibility during the clinical investigation. However, Streptococcus pneumoniae was identified in the cerebrospinal fluid and blood cultures. An initial neurological examination showed that the patient was brain dead, which was then later confirmed according to protocol. Comments: Purulent pericarditis has become a rare complication of invasive pneumococcal disease since the advent of antibiotic therapy. Patients with extensive pneumonia are primarily predisposed and, even with early and adequate treatment, are prone to high mortality rates. The association of pneumococcal meningitis and pericarditis is uncommon, and therefore difficult to diagnose. As such, diagnostic suspicion must be high in order to institute early treatment and increase survival.

Tamponamento cardíaco por cateter central de inserção periférica em prematuros: papel da ultrassonografia à beira do leito e abordagem terapêutica / Cardiac tamponade by peripherally inserted central catheter in preterm infants: role of bedside ultrasonography and therapeutic approach

RESUMO Objetivo: determinar a incidência de derrame pericárdico com tamponamento cardíaco em recém-natos prematuros em uma unidade de terapia intensiva pediátrica, com ênfase na relação entre o derrame pericárdico e a inserção de cateter central de inserção periférica, e avaliar o papel da ultrassonografia à beira do leito na abordagem desses casos. Métodos: análise retrospectiva dos pacientes internados em unidade de terapia intensiva pediátrica, entre julho de 2014 e dezembro de 2016, que apresentaram derrame pericárdico com repercussão hemodinâmica, avaliados por ultrassonografia. Resultados: foram estudados 426 pacientes admitidos na unidade neonatal de cinco leitos, com realização 285 ultrassonografias à beira do leito. Foram encontrados seis casos de derrame pericárdico, sendo quatro casos com choque obstrutivo e necessidade de realização de drenagem pericárdica, sem mortalidade relacionada ao procedimento e com melhora hemodinâmica em todos os pacientes após o procedimento. A incidência de derrame pericárdico foi de 2,4 casos por ano. Conclusão: a incidência de derrame pericárdico é baixa em neonatos, porém o diagnóstico precoce é fundamental devido à alta morbimortalidade, especialmente nos casos de instalação abrupta. Todos os casos foram diagnosticados pela ultrassonografia à beira do leito, demonstrando sua importância no rastreio desses casos, especialmente em nos quadros de choque de etiologia incerta e neonatos com instabilidade hemodinâmica de início súbito que estão em uso de acesso venoso central.

ABSTRACT Objective: to determine the incidence of pericardial effusion with cardiac tamponade in preterm infants in a pediatric intensive care unit, with emphasis on the relationship between pericardial effusion and peripherally inserted central catheter, and to evaluate the role of bedside ultrasound in approaching these cases. Methods: we conducted a retrospective analysis of patients admitted to a pediatric intensive care unit between July 2014 and December 2016, who presented pericardial effusion with hemodynamic repercussion, evaluated by ultrasonography. Results: we studied 426 patients admitted to the five beds of the neonatal unit. In the period, there were 285 bedside ultrasound exams. We found six cases of pericardial effusion, four of which with obstructive shock and need for pericardial drainage. There was no procedure-related mortality, and all patients evolved with hemodynamic improvement after the procedure. The incidence of pericardial effusion was 2.4 cases per year. Conclusion: the incidence of pericardial effusion is low in neonates, but early diagnosis is fundamental due to high morbidity and mortality, especially in cases of abrupt onset. All cases were diagnosed by bedside ultrasonography, demonstrating its importance in the screening of these cases, especially in shocks of uncertain etiology and neonates with sudden onset hemodynamic instability who are using central venous access.

Quilopericardio secundario a cirugía cardíaca / Chylopericardium after cardiac surgery

Introducción: El quilopericardio post cirugía cardíaca en el adulto es extremadamente infrecuente. Su aspecto lechoso característico y análisis bioquímico permiten el diagnóstico. El objetivo es presentar una complicación excepcional de la cirugía cardíaca, su fisiopatología y tratamiento médico. Presentación del caso: Mujer de 61 años, con historia de disnea progresiva, ortopnea y disnea paroxística nocturna de 12 años de evolución. Se pesquisó en ecocardiograma comunicación interauricular (CIA) tipo ostium secundum con shunt izquierda-derecha, disfunción ventricular, dilatación de cavidades derechas, insuficiencia tricuspídea masiva e hipertensión pulmonar grave. Se discutió caso y se decidió resolución quirúrgica. Se abordó por esternotomía media, y en circulación extracorpórea, se realizó, cierre de CIA con parche de poliéster y plastía tricuspídea. Al tercer día postoperatorio presentó aumento de débito pericárdico con líquido de aspecto lechoso. Análisis bioquímico permitió realizar el diagnóstico de quilopericardio. Se indicó tratamiento conservador con nutrición parenteral total y posterior uso de octreotide a lo largo de aproximadamente un mes. La paciente respondió a la terapia y fue dada de alta, no requiriendo de reintervención. Ecocardiograma de control mostró ausencia de derrame pericárdico. Al mes de seguimiento la paciente se encontró asintomática en capacidad funcional I. Discusión: La cirugía cardíaca es la causa del 9% de los casos de quilopericardio en adultos. Se han descrito diversas etiologías que van desde la lesión directa del conducto torácico hasta la asociación con la hipertensión pulmonar. En el caso presentado, el tratamiento con medidas nutricionales y octreotide fue efectivo evitando una nueva exploración quirúrgica.

Introduction: Adult post cardiac surgery chylopericardium is extremely rare. Its characteris- tic milky look and biochemical analysis allow diagnosis. The objective is to present a rare complication of cardiac surgery, its pathophysiology and treatment. Case report: A 61 years old woman, with a history of progressive dyspnea, orthopnea and paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea of 12 years of evolution. Echocardiography found an ostium secundum atrial septal defect (ASD) with left-right shunt, ventricular dysfunction, dilated right chambers, massive tricuspid regurgitation and severe pulmonary hypertension. The case was discussed and surgical resolution was decided. A median sternotomy, ASD closure polyester patch and tricuspid plasty was performed. On the third postoperative day presented increased pericardial debit with milky liquid. Biochemical analysis allowed the diagnosis of chylopericardium. Conservative treatment was decided with total parenteral nutrition and subsequent use of octreotide over about one month. The patient responded well to treatment and was discharged, not requiring reoperation. Control echocardiogram showed no pericardial effusion. One-month follow-up the patient was asymptomatic and in functional capacity I. Discussion: Cardiac surgery is the cause of 9% of cases chylopericardium in adults. Various etiologies are described ranging from direct injury to the thoracic duct to the association with pulmonary hypertension. In the case presented, nutritional therapy and octreotide were effective, avoiding a new surgical exploration.

Tension Pneumopericardium after Pericardiocentesis

Pneumopericardium is defined as the presence of air inside the pericardial space. Usually, it is reported as a complication of blunt or penetrating chest trauma, but rare iatrogenic and spontaneous cases have been reported. Pneumopericardium is relatively stable if it does not generate a tension effect on the heart. However, it may progress to tension pneumopericardium, which requires immediate pericardial aspiration. We report a case of iatrogenic pneumopericardium occurred in a 70-year-old man who presented dyspnea at emergency department. The patient underwent pericardiocentesis for cardiac tamponade due to large pericardial effusion, and iatrogenic tension pneumopericardium occurred due to misuse of the drainage device. After evacuating the pericardial air through the previously implanted catheter, the patient became stable. We report this case to increase the awareness of this fatal condition and to help increase the use of precautions against the development of this condition during emergency procedures.

Intrapericardial chemotherapy for the management of neoplastic cardiac tamponade

A young patient with disseminated osteogenic sarcoma presented with cardiac tamponade. She was successfully managed with pericardiocentesis and intrapericardial instillation of cisplatin. There was no reaccumulation of pericardial fluid or recurrence of tamponade until the patient's death 12 months later. Intrapericardial chemotherapy may be effective in the management of cardiac tamponade secondary to malignancy