Pericarditis with massive pericardial effusion: an unusual complication of primary biliary cirrhosis

Acta Gastroenterol Belg. 2012 Sep;75(3):354-6.

Abstract

Primary Biliary Cirrhosis (PBC) is a debilitating autoimmune condition associated with a constellation of extrahepatic inflammatory manifestations accentuating its morbidity and mortality. Pericarditis and pericardial effusion had been rarely associated with and inadequately characterized in PBC. We present a challenging case of inflammatory pericarditis and life-threatening massive pericardial effusion in a 49 year old patient with PBC. This complication should be more recognized and appropriately treated to avoid progression to cardiac tamponade.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Disease Progression
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Liver Cirrhosis, Biliary / complications*
  • Middle Aged
  • Pericardial Effusion / diagnostic imaging
  • Pericardial Effusion / etiology*
  • Pericarditis / etiology*
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed