An Odd Presentation of Dysphagia Due to Pericardial Effusion

Division

Far West

Hospital

Los Robles Hospital and Medical Center

Document Type

Case Report

Publication Date

1-1-2024

Keywords

Humans, Male, Deglutition Disorders, Pericardial Effusion, Aged, 80 and over, Tomography, X-Ray Computed, Cardiac Tamponade, Pericardiocentesis, Waldenstrom Macroglobulinemia

Disciplines

Cardiovascular Diseases | Internal Medicine | Medicine and Health Sciences

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.

Publisher or Conference

Journal of Investigative Medicine High Impact Case Reports

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