Cardiac tamponade as a rare complication of pediatric perforated appendicitis

Pericardial disease as a rare complication of pediatric appendicitis: a systematic literature search

BACKGROUND

Classic symptoms of acute appendicitis are well known but are uncommon and often misinterpreted in pediatric patients, potentially delaying diagnosis and resulting in rare sequelae.

METHODS

We conducted a comprehensive systematic literature search of case reports detailing pericardial disease as a rare complication of pediatric appendicitis through MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane Databases. Inclusion criteria was that the patient must be < 18 years old and present with both pericardial disease and appendicitis.

RESULTS

Our search yielded 7 cases with an average age of 10.3 ± 3.9 years old. The cases involved cardiac tamponade, pericarditis, and/or pericardial effusion. Five cases were diagnosed with appendicitis before complicated by pericardial disease. Most cases had an infectious component, but a majority had negative pericardial fluid cultures. Pleural effusion and abdominal abscesses were other common complications of pediatric appendicitis.

CONCLUSION

Awareness of this uncommon relationship may have prognostic value as this may facilitate appropriate management of pericardial effusions, tamponade, and/or appendicitis.