# Chronic pericarditis and recurrent pericardial effusion of unknown origin in a kitten: a case report

## TL;DR

A kitten developed chronic heart inflammation and fluid buildup after a resuscitation attempt, leading to multiple health crises and eventual death.

## Contribution

This case report documents a previously unrecorded instance of chronic pericarditis linked to cardiopulmonary resuscitation and pericardiocentesis in a kitten.

## Key findings

- The kitten had chronic-active pericarditis and hemorrhagic pericardial effusion.
- Clinical deterioration occurred despite intensive care and multiple interventions.
- Necropsy confirmed the condition was not previously associated with resuscitation or pericardiocentesis.

## Abstract

A 3-month-old kitten was presented after successful cardiopulmonary resuscitation, including a presumed intracardial injection by its primary care veterinarian. Throughout the subsequent hospitalization in the intensive care unit, the cat exhibited recurrent hemorrhagic pericardial effusions, along with concurrent pleural and abdominal effusions, resulting in multiple clinical deteriorations, necessitating pericardiocentesis and thoracocentesis. Despite more than 3 days of intensive care, the cat experienced another cardiopulmonary arrest with unsuccessful attempts to achieve the return of spontaneous circulation. Necropsy and histopathological findings revealed diffuse chronic-active pericarditis and hemorrhagic pericardial effusion, a condition that has not been documented in the context of cardiopulmonary resuscitation or pericardiocentesis.