A Case of Pericardial Effusion in Association With Celiac Disease

TL;DR

A 22-year-old woman with celiac disease developed pericardial effusion, showing heart-like symptoms such as chest pain and breathing difficulties.

Contribution

This case highlights a rare cardiac manifestation associated with celiac disease.

Findings

The patient presented with pericardial effusion linked to celiac disease.

Symptoms included chest pain, shortness of breath, tachycardia, and jugular venous distention.

Cardiothoracic surgery confirmed the diagnosis of pericardial effusion.

Abstract

This is the case of a 22-year-old female with celiac disease-induced pericardial effusion. Celiac disease is a gastroenterological autoimmune condition that affects several organ systems. It is a disease found in both children and adults. As many systems are involved, this case presented with a unique presentation: pericardial effusion with symptoms overlapping those of cardiac chest pain such as substernal chest pain and shortness of breath. The patient had tachycardia, tachypnea, and jugular venous distention with distant S1 and S2 heart sounds. Cardiothoracic surgery was consulted and diagnosed the patient with pericardial effusion.

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