# Cardiac tamponade – a rare cause of sudden death in autoimmune polyglandular syndrome

## TL;DR

A young man with an autoimmune disorder died suddenly from a rare heart condition caused by fluid buildup around the heart.

## Contribution

Highlights cardiac tamponade as a rare but lethal complication of autoimmune polyglandular syndrome.

## Key findings

- Cardiac tamponade due to pericarditis was identified as the cause of sudden death in APS type 2.
- Autopsy confirmed coexisting Addison disease and autoimmune hypothyroidism.
- A large amount of fluid in the pericardial sac was associated with severe inflammation.

## Abstract

A 27-year-old male died suddenly due to cardiac tamponade arising from pericarditis complicating autoimmune polyglandular syndrome (APS) type 2. He had a history of primary Addison disease and autoimmune hypothyroidism which were corroborated at autopsy. In addition a florid fibrinous pericarditis was associated with 287 g of turbid fluid in the pericardial sac. Although pericarditis with tamponade is a potential complication of APS, it has rarely if ever, been reported as a cause of sudden death. Lethal mechanisms may involve both compressive and restrictive effects.