Loculated pericardial hematoma compressing the right atrium post mechanical aortic valve replacement and the role of point-of-care echocardiography: a case report

BACKGROUND: Bleeding in the postoperative period after cardiac surgery is relatively frequent, especially in patients with early anticoagulant therapy, as in the case of mechanical valve replacement. Diffuse hemopericardium is relatively easy to diagnose; however, loculated pericardial hematomas leading to hemodynamic collapse are relatively rare and their diagnosis is more challenging. CASE PRESENTATION: This report is of a 75-year-old Asian woman who presented dyspnea, confusion and hemodynamic collapse related to loculated pericardial hematoma compressing the right atrium 3 days after mechanical aortic valve replacement. Urgent transthoracic echocardiogram performed as point-of-care approach showed right atrial compression, the aortic valve prosthesis had normal function. Surgical removal of the hematoma resulted in complete recovery. CONCLUSION: Loculated pericardial hematoma might lead to hemodynamic collapse. Close monitoring of hemodynamic parameters is essential, also point-of-care echocardiography is essential for early recognition and prompt management in patients with critical hemodynamic condition.