Resumen

MARTI C, Vicens; GUARINOS O, Jordi  y  DOMINGUEZ DE ROZAS, José M. Massive pericardial effusion and cardiac tamponade as the presentation form of hypothyroidism. Rev. méd. Chile [online]. 2001, vol.129, n.10, pp. 1191-1194. ISSN 0034-9887.  http://dx.doi.org/10.4067/S0034-98872001001000013.

We report a 43 years old female, admitted due to fatigability, asthenia and diffuse adbominal pain. On admission, obesity, slowness of thinking, bradicardia, distention of jugular veins and ascites were observed on physical examination. Laboratory showed undetectable thyroid hormone levels, a chest X ray showed bilateral pleural effusion and an enlarged heart. An echocardiography showed a massive pericardial effusion with collapse of the right atrium and dilatation of both caval veins. A pericardial tap was performed, draining 350 ml. Thyroid hormone substitution was started and after 12 months of follow up, the heart size decreased and a control echocardiogram showed a minimal pericardial effusion (Rev Méd Chile 2001; 129: 1191-94)

Palabras llave : Hypothyroidism; Pericardial Effusion.