Autoimmune fulminant myopericarditis presenting as cardiac tamponade—A rare occurrence in a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus

Abstract

Cardiac tamponade is a rare, life-threatening condition caused by accumulation of pericardial fluid, leading to rapid changes in hemodynamic status. Common causes include cancer, chest trauma, pericarditis, autoimmune diseases, and infectious agents such as viruses, bacteria, and fungi. Patients typically present with symptoms of weakness, chest pain, and shortness of breath. We present the case of a young female who presented with obstructive shock and echocardiographic evidence of tamponade. She was worked up and found to have cardiogenic shock likely secondary to systemic lupus erythematosus and fulminant myopericarditis. Prompt intervention with pericardiocentesis of 250 mL of exudative fluid led to significant improvement in left ventricle function and hemodynamic stability. The case highlights the importance for early recognition and a broad differential diagnosis—including autoimmune causes—when evaluating potential tamponade.