Author/Authors :
Almehmadi, Fahad Division of Cardiology - Department of Medicine - University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada , Chandy, Mark Division of Cardiology - Department of Medicine - University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada , Connelly, Kim A. Division of Cardiology - Department of Medicine - University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada , Edwards, Jeremy Division of Cardiology - Department of Medicine - University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
Abstract :
Delayed cardiac tamponade after a penetrating chest injury is a rare complication. The clinical diagnosis of tamponade is facilitated
with imaging. We present a case report of a 23-year-old male who was brought to emergency after multiple stab wounds to the
chest. After resuscitation and repair of laceration of right internal mammary artery and right ventricle, he was discharged but later
returned with shortness of breath. Echocardiography revealed a rare case of delayed pericardial tamponade causing left ventricular
collapse.The pericardial effusion was treated with emergent pericardiocentesis and later required a thoracoscopy guided pericardial
window for definitive management.
