Heavy hearts: the impact of influenza on young lives, a rare case report

Abstract

Considerable information is available about the acute respiratory symptoms of influenza A and B. However, rarely, these viruses can adversely affect the cardiovascular system. Few cases of pericardial effusion and cardiac tamponade due to the Influenza virus have been reported. To the best of our knowledge, we present the first case of a 23-year-old unvaccinated woman having concurrent influenza A and B infection manifesting as pericardial effusion and cardiac tamponade. The patient was treated with oseltamivir 75 mg, resulting in significant clinical improvement. This case emphasizes the importance of considering influenza as a possible cause of cardiac tamponade.

Keywords

• Cardiac tamponade
• Influenza A and B virus coinfection
• Pericardial effusion
• Viral cardiomyopathies