Constrictive pericarditis due to Candida albicans: an unexpected cause of pericardial effusion after heart transplantation

Constrictive pericarditis following cardiac transplantation: a report of two cases and a literature review

The data on constrictive pericarditis following heart transplantation are scarce. Herein, the authors present 2 patients who developed a constrictive pericarditis 19, and 55 months after heart transplantation. They underwent several diagnostic procedures and successfully recovered after a radical pericardiectomy. In addition, the authors review the literature and report the incidence, aetiology, diagnostic features, and management of this rare and challenging condition.

Candida pericarditis presenting with cardiac tamponade and multiple organ failure after combined damage control thoracotomy and laparotomy with splenectomy in a trauma patient: Case report and review of literature

Candida pericarditis is a rare condition which has previously been described after cardiothoracic surgery and immunosuppressive states (Geisler et al., 1981; Eng et al., 1981; Kraus et al., 1988; Kaufman et al., 1988; Tang et al., 2009; Glower et al., 1990; Carrel et al., 1991; Rabinovici et al., 1997; Canver et al., 1998; Farjah et al., 2005; Gronemeyer et al., 1982 [1-11]). We describe the case of a 19-year-old male blunt trauma patient, who survived a damage control thoracotomy and laparotomy with splenectomy, who later developed a loculated Candida pericardial effusion, complicated with cardiac tamponade and multiple organ failure, and required antifungals and surgical reintervention with thoracotomy for drainage. A literature search of the reported cases demonstrates that Candida pericarditis is indeed a rare but fatal condition if not identified and treated appropriately. This article discusses the difficulties we encountered while recognizing the disorder in our patient and proposes a guideline to adequately treat the condition in an effective and timely manner. Candida pericarditis poses a special challenge for the physician since its correct diagnosis and management requires a multidisciplinary approach.

Successful Use of Intra-aortic Balloon Counterpulsation for Systemic Ventricular Failure Following Total Pericardiectomy for Calcific Chronic Constrictive Pericarditis

We report two male patients aged 18 and 19 years, respectively, undergoing total pericardiectomy for chronic calcific constrictive pericarditis who developed systemic ventricular failure unresponsive to medical management following surgery. The failing circulation was successfully reestablished using intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation. Aortic counterpulsation facilitates recovery of ventricular function and appears to be a reasonable alternative in select instances of refractory cardiac failure following pericardiectomy.