Cardiac Tamponade Related to a Large Pericardial Mass in a Female with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis

World J Pediatr Congenit Heart Surg. 2023 Mar;14(2):246-248. doi: 10.1177/21501351221141436. Epub 2023 Feb 19.

Abstract

We report the case of a young female with juvenile idiopathic arthritis presenting with cardiac tamponade secondary to an unusual pericardial mass. Pericardial masses are typically incidental findings. In rare circumstances they can cause compressive physiology warranting urgent intervention. She required surgical excision which revealed a pericardial cyst encapsulating a chronic solidified hematoma. Though certain inflammatory disorders are associated with myopericarditis, to our knowledge this is the first reported case of a pericardial mass in a well-controlled young patient. We theorize her immunosuppressant therapy resulted in hemorrhage into a pre-existing pericardial cyst, suggesting the need for further follow-up in those on adalimumab therapy.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Arthritis, Juvenile* / complications
  • Cardiac Tamponade* / diagnostic imaging
  • Cardiac Tamponade* / etiology
  • Cardiac Tamponade* / surgery
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Mediastinal Cyst* / complications
  • Pericardial Effusion* / diagnostic imaging
  • Pericardial Effusion* / etiology
  • Pericardial Effusion* / surgery
  • Pericardium