Cardiac tamponade due to intrapericardial rupture of an amebic liver abscess

Jpn J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg. 2005 Apr;53(4):206-9. doi: 10.1007/s11748-005-0107-6.

Abstract

Pericardial abscess is rare in healthy individuals, especially the amebic type. We report a case of pericardial abscess and cardiac tamponade due to intrapericardial rupture of an amebic liver abscess. A 31-year old Japanese male complained of fever to a local hospital. A liver mass was discovered in his left hepatic lobe by an abdominal echogram. He was referred to the internal department of our hospital and was treated with quinolone antibiotics. Two weeks after medication, he suddenly complained of epigastralgia and severe orthopnea and was admitted. Abdominal computed tomographic scan showed an enlarged liver mass, and massive pericardial effusion suggested cardiac tamponade. He underwent an emergency subxiphoid partial pericardiectomy under local anesthesia. 1,000 ml of light brownish fluid was removed and his condition improved. Although no ameba was cultivated from the pus, the amebic serological test was positive. Metronidazole was administered and the patient was discharged 31 days after surgery.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Cardiac Tamponade / etiology
  • Cardiac Tamponade / surgery*
  • Cardiovascular Surgical Procedures
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Fever / etiology
  • Humans
  • Liver Abscess, Amebic / complications
  • Liver Abscess, Amebic / diagnosis*
  • Liver Abscess, Amebic / diagnostic imaging
  • Liver Abscess, Amebic / drug therapy
  • Male
  • Metronidazole / administration & dosage
  • Rupture, Spontaneous
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed
  • Ultrasonography

Substances

  • Metronidazole