Pericardial effusion as a cardiac manifestation in dengue: case report

Abstract

Objective: To describe a case of unusual clinical presentation of dengue fever. Case Details: A 60-year-old female patient initially complained of fatigue, night sweats, dry cough, sore throat, and fever. She was initially treated with antibiotics for suspected upper respiratory tract infection, but developed several symptoms, especially fatigue, which lasted for about a year. A chest X-ray and computed tomography (CT) scan were performed and showed no abnormalities, but laboratory tests were consistent with an inflammatory reaction. Several serological tests were negative for other infectious diseases, except for a positive IgM test for dengue viruses. Approximately three months after the onset of symptoms, a new chest CT scan and echocardiogram showed mild to moderate pericardial effusion and pericardial thickening, suggestive of pericarditis. Treatment with colchicine and ibuprofen was instituted for 4 months. Residual mild pericardial effusion persisted during the 5-year follow-up period. Final considerations: Dengue is an arboviral disease of high relevance in humans. Attention should be paid not only to the usual clinical manifestations, but also to atypical forms, to diagnose all possible complications. Echocardiography can play an important role in clinical management, even in cases where patients are present with oligosymptomatic dengue.

Keywords: Dengue; Pericardial Effusion; Pericarditis.