V. Marti et al., Massive pericardial effusion and cardiac tamponade as the presentation form of hypothyroidism. Report of one case, REV MED CHI, 129(10), 2001, pp. 1191-1194
We report et 43 years old female, admitted clue to fatigability, asthenia a
nd diffuse abdominal pain. Oil admission, obesity, slowness of thinking, br
adicardia, distention of jugular veins and ascites were observed oil physic
al examination. Laboratory showed undetectable thyroid hormone levels, a ch
est X ray showed bilateral pleural effusion and an enlarged heart. Art echo
cardiography showed et massive pericardial effusion with collapse of the ri
ght atrium and dilatation of both caval veins. A pericardial tap was perfor
med, draining 350 ml. Thyroid hormone substitution was started and after 12
months of follow tip, the heart size decreased and a control echocardiogra
m showed a minimal pericardial effusion.