Pericardial involvement as a rare manifestation of hypereosinophilic syndrome

South Med J. 2009 Jul;102(7):751-3. doi: 10.1097/SMJ.0b013e3181a9429d.

Abstract

A 56-year-old female with idiopathic hypereosinophilic syndrome who presented with chest tightness, dyspnea and new-onset atrial fibrillation is reported. Work up revealed significant peripheral eosinophilia, pericarditis, and a pericardial effusion with tamponade physiology. Pericardiocentesis revealed predominant eosinophils (88%) in the pericardial fluid. After initial stabilization, pericardial effusion reaccumulated with persistence of marked eosinophilia. A diagnosis of idiopathic hypereosinophilic syndrome was made, and she was started on prednisone with a dramatic resolution of her clinical symptoms.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents / therapeutic use
  • Atrial Fibrillation / etiology
  • Dyspnea / etiology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hypereosinophilic Syndrome / complications*
  • Hypereosinophilic Syndrome / diagnosis*
  • Hypereosinophilic Syndrome / drug therapy
  • Middle Aged
  • Pericardial Effusion / complications
  • Pericardial Effusion / etiology*
  • Prednisone / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents
  • Prednisone