Acute myocarditis presenting as cardiac tamponade

J Natl Med Assoc. 2004 Nov;96(11):1503-6.

Abstract

We report a case of acute fulminant myocarditis presenting with cardiac tamponade and shock. The patient was managed in the coronary care unit with emergency pericardiotomy, invasive hemodynamic monitoring, and supportive therapy for cardiac failure. Pleural effusion and pneumonia complicated her clinical course. She responded well to therapy with normalization of left ventricular systolic function. This case demonstrates the potential for complete recovery with appropriate management in acute myocarditis even with a fulminant course.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Cardiac Tamponade / diagnostic imaging*
  • Cardiac Tamponade / surgery
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Echocardiography
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Myocarditis / diagnostic imaging*
  • Myocarditis / surgery
  • Shock, Cardiogenic / diagnostic imaging
  • Shock, Cardiogenic / etiology*
  • Shock, Cardiogenic / surgery