Constrictive pericarditis requiring pericardiectomy: an unusual first presentation of extra-articular rheumatoid arthritis-a case report.

ABSTRACT:

Background

We report an unusual case of rheumatoid arthritis presenting for the first time with pericardial constriction and bilateral pleural calcification, in the absence of prior articular disease.

Case summary

A 46-year-old Caucasian male, who initially presented with shortness of breath, intermittent chest tightness and general malaise, underwent extensive diagnostic workup over a period of six months involving multiple hospital admissions. He was found to have pericardial constriction on echocardiogram and ultimately required surgical pericardiectomy due to decompensation. After multiple diagnostic tests and specialist opinion, the aetiology of pericardial disease was ultimately confirmed to be extra-articular rheumatoid disease without synovitis.

Discussion

Sig

SUBMITTER: Egwu C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11375588 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature