Case Report: Late presentation of post-coronary artery bypass surgery pericardial effusion heralding mediastinitis with tracheocutaneous fistula.

ABSTRACT: Post-coronary artery bypass surgery pericardial effusions are typically self-limiting but may rarely be significant, causing pericardial tamponade. We describe a case of late post-operative pericardial effusion that required pericardiocentesis and subsequent readmission for mediastinitis with the added complication of a tracheocutaneous fistula. Our case report is the first reported instance of pericardial tamponade heralding the onset of mediastinitis. It also describes the rare complication of tracheocutaneous fistula associated with mediastinitis.

SUBMITTER: Idu M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11865054 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature