Regional cardiac tamponade resulting in hypoxia from acute right to left inter-atrial shunting

J Invasive Cardiol. 2011 May;23(5):E96-8.

Abstract

Loculated pericardial effusion, as a cause of acute hypoxia, is an unusual finding. Here, we describe the case of a patient who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention, complicated by a localized pericardial hematoma compressing the right atrium, resulting in right to left shunting of blood through a patent foramen ovale and subsequent hypoxia. Evacuation of the hematoma was eventually performed via a pericardial window with resolution of hypoxia.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Blood Circulation / physiology
  • Cardiac Tamponade / complications*
  • Cardiac Tamponade / etiology
  • Foramen Ovale, Patent / physiopathology*
  • Heart Atria / physiopathology*
  • Hematoma / complications
  • Hematoma / surgery
  • Humans
  • Hypoxia / etiology*
  • Male
  • Pericardial Effusion / complications
  • Pericardial Effusion / surgery
  • Thoracoscopy
  • Treatment Outcome