Anatomy & Physiology: Current Research
Open Access

Abstract

Pericardial Effusion and Pericarditis Secondary to Adult Onset Still’s Disease

Wang SC, Azara I, Koutroumpakisa E, Lyubarova R and Sidhu M

Adult-Onset Still’s Disease is an uncommon systemic autoimmune disease with an incidence rate of 0.16 per 100,000. Various systems can be involved including musculoskeletal, cutaneous, hepatic, spleen, and lymphatic system. Cardiopulmonary involvement is found in 30-40% of the cases and can lead to significant morbidity and mortality. Prior cases of myocarditis and pericarditis leading to arrhythmias, heart failure and tamponade have been reported. We present a 24 year-old woman presenting with chest pain and dyspnea, and was found to have pericarditis in addition to pericardial effusion with tamponade physiology. She was successfully treated with drainage of pericardial effusion, corticosteroids and colchicine. The case illustrates the importance of early diagnosis and intervention in ensuring long-term recovery especially from the cardiac complications.