Late-onset postpneumonectomy empyema presenting as right-sided heart failure: extrinsic right atrial compression.

Korean Circulation Journal
June NamgungWon Ro Lee

Abstract

Although it is rare, the right atrium can be encroached on by abnormal mediastinal structures, including aortic aneurysms, carcinomas, hepatic cysts and diaphragmatic paralysis. Extrinsic compression of the right atrium causes significant hemodynamic compromise and can lead to fatal outcomes. We describe the case of a 66-year old man with a past history of pulmonary tuberculosis that had undergone right pneumonectomy 40 years previously. He then presented with signs and symptoms of right-sided heart failure. These new signs and symptoms were recognized to be secondary to extrinsic compression of the right atrium, which was due to late-onset postpneumonectomy empyema, and the signs and symptoms were successfully relieved by performing open drainage of the empyema.

References

Apr 1, 1977·Thorax·W F Kerr
Jul 1, 1988·Journal of the American College of Cardiology·N O FowlerC R Buncher
Oct 9, 1999·The European Respiratory Journal·M V BergeR Aalbers

❮ Previous
Next ❯

Citations

Apr 24, 2010·Revue de pneumologie clinique·A BadiaM Riquet

❮ Previous
Next ❯

Methods Mentioned

BETA
enzyme linked immuno sorbent assay

Related Concepts

Related Feeds

Aortic Aneurysm

An aortic aneurysm is the weakening and bulging of the blood vessel wall in the aorta. This causes dilatation of the aorta, which is usually asymptomatic but carries the risk of rupture and hemorrhage. Find the latest research on aortic aneurysms here.

Cardiac Aneurysm

Aneurysm refers to a bulge of the wall or lining of a vessel commonly occurring in the blood vessels at the base of the septum or within the aorta. In the heart, it usually arises from a patch of weakened tissue in a ventricular wall, which swells into a bubble filled with blood. Discover the latest research on cardiac aneurysm here.