Cardiac Tamponade - A Hypothyroidism Associated Emergency: A Report of 2 Cases

Abstract

Pericardial effusion in commonly seen in-patient with hypothyroidism but effusion large enough to cause cardiac tamponade is not a common presenting feature whereas myxedema coma is a commonly defined medical emergency in-patient with hypothyroidism. We report 2 cases of hypothyroid associated medical emergencies. First case is a young female with history of recurrent pericardial effusion presenting to the emergency department with cardiac tamponade and later on diagnosed as having hypothyroidism. The second patient is a known case of hypothyroidism non-compliant to thyroid supplement and presented with lethargy, fatigue, decreased talking and breathlessness who was later diagnosed as having myxedema coma and impending cardiac tamponade. Both the patient required percutaneous pericardiocentesis and improved with medical management.