A case of shock due to compression of the right atrium by the liver after postoperative bleeding

T. H. W. Leuverink, C. M. H. Nolte, O. M. van Delden, R. Tepaske, O. R. Busch

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Abstract

This report describes the case of a 36-year-old woman who presented to our intensive care unit in profound refractory shock after a complicated laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Transoesophageal echocardiography showed an extrapericardial mass blocking venous return and computed tomography showed an intra-abdominal haematoma with displacement of the liver. The patient was diagnosed with extrapericardial tamponade caused by compression of the right atrium by the liver due to a large intra-abdominal haematoma. Decompression via explorative laparotomy was performed, resulting in a quick and full recovery of the patient. We conclude that extrapericardial tamponade should be considered in patients presenting with refractory shock after abdominal surgery.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)159-161
JournalNetherlands Journal of Critical Care
Volume27
Issue number4
Publication statusPublished - 2019

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