Cardiac tamponade and pulmonary compression due to volvulus of oesophageal coloplasty

Abstract

We describe an unusual case of cardiac tamponade and pulmonary compression due to acute volvulus of colon interposition occuring late after oesophagectomy. Clinical signs were suggestive of cardiac tamponade but there was no evidence of pericardial effusion by transthoracic echocardiography. Thoracic-CT provided the diagnostic clue in revealing the extrapericardial nature (a major dilatation of the colonic transplant) of the tamponade. This diagnosis should be considered in case of acute cardiopulmonary distress occuring early or late after oesophagectomy.