Acute pericarditis in an adult with cystic fibrosis: A case report and literature review

Authors

Amer Abu-Shanab, Department of Internal Medicine, Rutgers-Monmouth Medical Center, Long Branch, USA.
Muhammad Tayyeb, Department of Internal Medicine, Rutgers-Monmouth Medical Center, Long Branch, USA.
Muhammad Saad Anwar, Department of Internal Medicine, Rutgers-Monmouth Medical Center, Long Branch, USA.
David Angelo Aquino, Department of Internal Medicine, Rutgers-Monmouth Medical Center, Long Branch, USA.
Pierre Amog, Department of Internal Medicine, Rutgers-Monmouth Medical Center, Long Branch, USA.
Abdalhakim Shubietah, Advocate Health - MidwestFollow
Doantrang Du, Department of Internal Medicine, Rutgers-Monmouth Medical Center, Long Branch, USA.

Recommended Citation

Abu-Shanab A, Tayyeb M, Saad Anwar M, et al. Acute Pericarditis in an Adult with Cystic Fibrosis: A Case Report and Literature Review. Eur J Case Rep Intern Med. 2025;12(6):005373. Published 2025 May 13. doi:10.12890/2025_005373

Affiliations

Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center

Abstract

Introduction:Cystic fibrosis, an autosomal recessive disorder (1 in 3,000-6,000 births), causes thick mucus and recurrent lung infections. Improved survival has revealed rare complications such as constrictive pericarditis and cardiac tamponade.

Case description:A 24-year-old female with cystic fibrosis, diagnosed at nine months, presented with two weeks of dyspnoea. Examination revealed bilateral rhonchi, facial oedema and non-pitting thigh oedema. Laboratory results showed a white blood cell count of 11.3 ×109/l, erythrocyte sedimentation rate of 99 mm/hr and C-reactive protein level of 45.3 mg/dl. Initially admitted for cystic fibrosis exacerbation, she was found to have pericardial effusion. Despite facial and lower extremity swelling, she denied cardiac symptoms. During hospitalisation, she developed haemodynamic instability requiring pericardiocentesis, with echocardiography confirming constrictive pericarditis. Chest computed tomography angiography showed pericardial calcifications; autoimmune workup was negative. She was discharged on colchicine with close follow-up.

Conclusion:Clinicians should have a high index of suspicion for underlying cardiac complications in patients presenting with exacerbations of cystic fibrosis.

Learning points:Pericardial disease - including constrictive pericarditis and tamponade - though rare, can complicate cystic fibrosis in adults and may mimic pulmonary exacerbations. Early cardiac imaging is crucial for timely diagnosis.This case highlights the need for a high index of suspicion in cystic fibrosis patients with unexplained dyspnoea, oedema or haemodynamic instability, especially in the setting of pericardial calcifications.Medical management with colchicine and diuretics can be effective in selected cystic fibrosis patients with constrictive physiology, potentially avoiding the need for invasive pericardiectomy.

Type

Article

PubMed ID

40502958