Key result
Perforated H. pylori gastric ulcer triggers rare gastropericardial fistula and cardiac tamponade.
Why the study?
Gastropericardial fistulas are exceedingly rare surgical emergencies with a grim prognosis if not surgically corrected, often presenting late in their course.
Case Report (n=1)
No
Gastropericardial fistulas are rare, life-threatening emergencies that can present with obstructive shock and require prompt multidisciplinary management.
Answers are grounded in this paper and cite their sources.
Alerts clinicians to gastropericardial fistula in obstructive shock; single case leaves optimal management strategies open.
Gastropericardial fistulas are pathological communications between the stomach and pericardium, often presenting late in course as a surgical emergency. These cases are exceedingly rare with a grim prognosis if not surgically corrected.1 Our case discusses a 65-year-old man who experienced acute-onset chest pain, bilateral shoulder pain, and a syncopal event prompting transfer to our level 1 regional medical center in obstructive shock with imaging concerning for gastropericardial fistula. Our case discusses the complex management of a critically ill patient's presentation, stabilization, and management.
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Bordes et al. (2025) conducted a case report in Gastropericardial fistula with cardiac tamponade and septic pericarditis (n=1). Complex management and surgical correction was evaluated. A 65-year-old man presented in obstructive shock and was diagnosed with a rare gastropericardial fistula and cardiac tamponade due to H. pylori-induced gastric ulcer perforation.
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