Abstract:
Background. Pericarditis is a syndrome caused by various etiologies. It manifests through
pain in the left side of the chest, fever or low-grade fever, ECG changes with newly developed
diffuse ST-segment elevation or PR-segment depression, ECG changes, and elevated
inflammatory markers such as ESR, leukocytosis, and CRP.
Objective(s). To present the case of a female patient diagnosed with pericarditis
complicated by recurrent cardiac tamponade of undefined origin, highlighting the diagnostic
and establishing the correct treatment.
Materials and methods. A 22-year-old female patient was repeatedly hospitalized at the
IMSP Institute of Cardiology with dyspnea, fever (37.5°C), constrictive chest discomfort on
inspiration, general fatigue, and loss of appetite.
Investigations: ECG, transthoracic echocardiography, abdominal and thyroid ultrasound,
chest CT scan, hematological and biochemical tests.
Results. Clinical findings: BP 110/70 mmHg, HR 110 bpm, SpO₂ 94%, ECG: sinus rhythm.
Transthoracic echocardiography revealed pericardial effusion: PPVS 20 mm, PLVS 15 mm,
apex 9 mm, basal RA 10 mm, with signs of cardiac tamponade. Repeated pericardial
punctures and drainage were performed due to recurrent episodes of tamponade. Rivalta
reaction: +++, pleural fluid color: gray, no atypical cells detected. Chest CT scan revealed a
mediastinal benign tumor on the left side (3.2 x 4.9 x 6.0 cm). Subsequently, the patient
underwent surgery at the specialized hospital for benign tumor removal, with a favorable
outcome and recovery.
Conclusion(s). Pericarditis can have various etiologies and may affect different age groups.
Proper treatment - anti-inflammatory, etiological, or surgical - can prevent severe
complications such as constrictive pericarditis or cardiac tamponade. In this case, timely
diagnosis led to a favorable outcome.
