An unusual case of pericardial tamponade in primary hypothyroidism

Pericardial effusion is not so uncommon in hypothyroidism, but pericardial tamponade is very rare entity. Hypothyroidism complicated by pericardial tamponade is very rarely referenced in the medical literature. Here we report a rare case of a 70 year old female, who presented with breathlessness and was found to have hypothyroidism with large pericardial effusion complicating into pericardial tamponade. Management included urgent pericardiocentesis followed by l-thyroxine supplementation.