Cardiac tamponade masked by bilateral internal jugular vein thrombosis: its occurrence in an orthotopic heart transplant recipient

J Heart Lung Transplant. 1994 Sep-Oct;13(5):910-2.

Abstract

We present a case of cardiac tamponade masked by bilateral internal jugular vein thrombosis occurring in a patient 1 month after orthotopic heart transplantation. Because patients who undergo heart transplantation undergo both heart surgery and multiple endomyocardial biopsies, they are at risk for both of these complications. Therefore when evaluating hypotensive patients who are at risk for both pericardial effusion and bilateral internal jugular vein thrombosis, cardiac tamponade should not be excluded, even in the absence of jugular vein distention.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Biopsy / adverse effects
  • Cardiac Tamponade / diagnosis*
  • Cardiac Tamponade / etiology
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Heart Transplantation / adverse effects*
  • Humans
  • Jugular Veins / pathology*
  • Male
  • Myocardium / pathology
  • Pericardial Effusion / diagnosis
  • Pericardial Effusion / etiology
  • Risk Factors
  • Thrombosis / diagnosis*
  • Thrombosis / etiology