Postpericardiotomy Syndrome in an Infant with Down Syndrome Presenting with Recurrent Pericardial Effusion

Abstract

Postpericardiotomy syndrome (PPS) is a hypersensitivity reaction characterized by inflammation in pleural, pericardial or lung tissue following cardiac surgery or myocardial infarction. Clinically; fever, chest pain, findings related to pleural or pericardial effusion may be seen. In this case report, we wanted to present a case of Down syndrome who was followed up with PPS causing recurrent pericardial effusion after cardiac surgery for 5 months and was successfully treated by opening a pericardial window. PPS is one of the leading causes of post-cardiac morbidity in developed countries, despite all the advances in diagnosis and treatment. The earliest clinical finding is the development of pericardial effusion after the operation. Although pericardiocentesis is performed many times, PPS should be kept in mind in patients with recurrent pericardial effusion, and pericardial window opening should be considered in the treatment.

Keywords

• postpericardiotomy syndrome
• pericardial effusion
• recurrent effusion