Simultaneously diagnosed pulmonary thromboembolism and hemopericardium in a man with thoracic spinal cord injury

The Journal of Spinal Cord Medicine, 2012 · DOI: 10.1179/2045772312Y.0000000010 · Published: January 1, 2012

Spinal Cord Injury Cardiovascular Science

Simple Explanation

A rare case is presented of a man with a spinal cord injury who was simultaneously diagnosed with pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE) and hemopericardium. These conditions present conflicting treatment strategies because hemopericardium is typically a contraindication for anticoagulation, which is the standard treatment for PTE. The patient was successfully treated with careful monitoring and anticoagulation, highlighting the possibility of managing both conditions simultaneously under specific circumstances.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

A 43-year-old man with incomplete T9 paraplegia

Evidence Level

Case report

Key Findings

1
The patient with acute spinal cord injury presented with simultaneous PTE and hemopericardium, a rare complication involving conflicting treatments.
2
Serial echocardiograms demonstrated stability, allowing for the administration of intravenous heparin and oral warfarin, leading to improvement in both conditions.
3
Follow-up chest CT revealed no recurrence of PTE and complete resolution of hemopericardium after ten months.

Research Summary

This case report describes a 43-year-old man with a thoracic spinal cord injury who was diagnosed with simultaneous pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE) and hemopericardium. The patient was successfully treated with anticoagulation therapy while closely monitored for signs of cardiac tamponade, demonstrating the possibility of managing these conflicting conditions concurrently. The successful outcome suggests that with careful monitoring, anticoagulation can be administered in patients with both PTE and hemopericardium, especially when hemodynamically stable.

Practical Implications

Treatment Strategy

This case suggests a possible treatment strategy for patients presenting with both PTE and hemopericardium involving careful monitoring and anticoagulation when the patient is hemodynamically stable.

Diagnostic Consideration

Clinicians should consider the possibility of simultaneous PTE and hemopericardium in patients with spinal cord injuries presenting with fever or cardiopulmonary symptoms.

Risk Factor Awareness

Awareness of risk factors for both PTE and hemopericardium, especially in trauma patients with spinal cord injuries, is crucial for early diagnosis and management.

Simultaneously diagnosed pulmonary thromboembolism and hemopericardium in a man with thoracic spinal cord injury

Simple Explanation

Key Findings

Research Summary

Practical Implications

Treatment Strategy

Diagnostic Consideration

Risk Factor Awareness

Study Limitations

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Was this summary helpful?

Simultaneously diagnosed pulmonary thromboembolism and hemopericardium in a man with thoracic spinal cord injury

Simple Explanation

Key Findings

Research Summary

Practical Implications

Treatment Strategy

Diagnostic Consideration

Risk Factor Awareness

Study Limitations

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?