An Odd Presentation of Dysphagia Due to Pericardial Effusion

Abstract

Esophageal dysphagia is most commonly caused by motility disorders and intrinsic mechanical obstruction. However, extrinsic obstruction, such as pericardial effusion, is rare causes of dysphagia. We present an 89-year-old male with history of Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia, Charcot-Marie-Tooth syndrome, and basal cell carcinoma presenting with generalized weakness, productive cough, shortness of breath, and dysphagia to both solids and liquids. A chest X-ray obtained showed cardiomegaly with suggested central vascular congestion and pulmonary edema. Further imaging with computed tomography (CT) abdomen and pelvis showed a moderate-to-large pericardial effusion. Patient later developed signs and symptoms of cardiac tamponade, requiring urgent pericardiocentesis with removal of 1 L of sanguineous fluid. Up to today, only 6 cases of dysphagia due to pericardial effusion have been described. This case displays another rare case and highlights the importance of recognizing dysphagia as a critical symptom as well as non-gastrointestinal (GI) causes of dysphagia.