A Case of Chronic Expanding Intrapericardial Hematoma Presenting with Right Heart Failure 6 Years after Mitral Valve Replacement

Abstract

A 75-year old man presented with diuretic-resistant leg edema. He had a history of three cardiac surgeries: mitral valve plasty, mitral valve replacement with a stentless valve made of autologous pericardium, and mitral valve replacement with a mechanical prosthesis. Six years had passed since his last cardiac surgery. The tests revealed right heart failure due to a chronic expanding intrapericardial hematoma. The hematoma was removed via left thoracotomy, and which had been covered with the ePTFE pericardial membrane used in the previous chest closure was removed via left thoracotomy. The chronic expanding intrapericardial hematoma is a rare condition, and it was suggested that extensive coverage with the sheet may have been a contributing factor to its formation.