Constrictive pericarditis due to ingestion of a toothpick

Ann Thorac Surg. 1994 Feb;57(2):489-90. doi: 10.1016/0003-4975(94)91031-6.

Abstract

A case of a 53-year-old man with constrictive pericarditis due to the ingestion of a toothpick is presented. Computed tomography was unable to show the toothpick, and the diagnosis was made during the operation. Ingested toothpicks have often been reported as a cause of gastrointestinal injuries but in this rare case a toothpick actually migrated into the pericardium.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Candidiasis / etiology*
  • Drainage / methods
  • Foreign Bodies / complications*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Pericardial Effusion / etiology
  • Pericardial Effusion / therapy
  • Pericardial Window Techniques
  • Pericardiectomy
  • Pericarditis / etiology*
  • Pericarditis / microbiology*
  • Pericardium*