Korean Circulation Journal

The Korean Society of Cardiology (대한심장학회)
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Late-Onset Postpneumonectomy Empyema Presenting as Right-Sided Heart Failure: Extrinsic Right Atrial Compression

  • NamGung, June (Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Inje University College of Medicine, Ilsan Paik Hospital) ;
  • Kwak, Jae-Jin (Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Inje University College of Medicine, Ilsan Paik Hospital) ;
  • Choe, Hyun-Min (Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Inje University College of Medicine, Ilsan Paik Hospital) ;
  • Kwon, Sung-Uk (Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Inje University College of Medicine, Ilsan Paik Hospital) ;
  • Doh, Joon-Hyung (Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Inje University College of Medicine, Ilsan Paik Hospital) ;
  • Lee, Sung-Yun (Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Inje University College of Medicine, Ilsan Paik Hospital) ;
  • Ryoo, Ji-Yoon (Department of Thoracic Surgery, Inje University College of Medicine, Ilsan Paik Hospital) ;
  • Hur, Gham (Department of Radiology, Inje University College of Medicine, Ilsan Paik Hospital) ;
  • Lee, Won-Ro (Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Inje University College of Medicine, Ilsan Paik Hospital)
  • Published : 2012.04.30
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Abstract

Although it is rare, the right atrium can be encroached on by abnormal mediastinal structures, including aortic aneurysms, carcinomas, hepatic cysts and diaphragmatic paralysis. Extrinsic compression of the right atrium causes significant hemodynamic compromise and can lead to fatal outcomes. We describe the case of a 66-year old man with a past history of pulmonary tuberculosis that had undergone right pneumonectomy 40 years previously. He then presented with signs and symptoms of right-sided heart failure. These new signs and symptoms were recognized to be secondary to extrinsic compression of the right atrium, which was due to late-onset postpneumonectomy empyema, and the signs and symptoms were successfully relieved by performing open drainage of the empyema.

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References

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