Research in Cardiovascular Medicine (Jan 2016)

Influenza H1N1 infection leading to cardiac tamponade in a previously healthy patient: A case report

  • Robinder S Sidhu,
  • Abhinav Sharma,
  • Ian D Paterson,
  • Kevin R Bainey

DOI
https://doi.org/10.5812/cardiovascmed.31546
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 5, no. 3
pp. 6 – 6

Abstract

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Introduction: The cardiac manifestations of influenza A are broad, ranging from self-limited pericarditis to fatal cardiomyopathy. The 2009 H1N1 influenza A (H1N1) strain is a rare cause of pericarditis, and its role in developing a pericardial effusion leading to tamponade has infrequently been reported. Case Presentation: We describe a case of a young female with no prior cardiovascular history who presents with a pericardial effusion and shock secondary to cardiac tamponade from pericarditis due to H1N1 influenza A. Conclusions: This case highlights the potential severity of H1N1 infections and the utility of considering cardiac tamponade in patients presenting with influenza symptoms and circulatory collapse.

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