Constrictive Pericarditis Progressing to Cardiac Tamponade Due to Metastatic Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Larynx-A Challenging Diagnosis

Abstract

Effusive-Constrictive pericarditis is a challenging diagnosis due to its probable acute presentation as cardiac tamponade leading to quick deterioration of cardiac filling and pumping capacity impeded by an external force. The clinical picture can simulate other causes of fluid overload and decreased cardiac output making the diagnosis more complex. Most cases are idiopathic or due to a supposed predisposing viral infection. One of the often forgotten rare causes of this disease is primary occult malignancy of the pericardium or a metastatic carcinoma of other origins. We present a case of effusive-constrictive pericarditis advancing to cardiac tamponade due to extensive infiltration of the pericardium by metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx. The case highlights the importance of taking into consideration the patient’s past history and the less probable causes of pericardial effusion when there is no improvement on conventional therapy and avoiding misguidance by other common etiologies.