Endocrine practice : official journal of the American College of Endocrinology and the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists
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Case Reports
Impending cardiac tamponade as a primary presentation of hypothyroidism: case report and review of literature.
To describe a patient who presented with pericardial effusion and impending cardiac tamponade attributable to hypothyroidism. ⋯ From our review of the literature, we conclude that impending cardiac tamponade is a rare initial manifestation of hypothyroidism. A high index of suspicion must be maintained for timely diagnosis of pericardial tamponade followed by prompt intervention. Recurrent pericardial effusions are common, necessitating close follow-up. Treatment of the hypothyroidism with levothyroxine is imperative.