Cardiac tamponade presenting as early manifestation in dengue fever.

Dengue fever (DF) is an outbreak prone viral disease transmitted by aedes mosquitoes. It is often associated with evidence of plasma leakage due to increased vascular permeability manifested by pleural effusion, ascites, hypoproteinaemia and pericardial effusion. Cases of small pericardial effusion have been reported in association with dengue fever, largely with dengue haemorrhagic fever (DHF) during epidemic outbreaks. Dengue may rarely present with cardiac tamponade as early manifestation and urgent pericardiocentesis is life saving. A 34 year old male presented with low grade fever, headache, myalgia and breathlessness. Echocardiography revealed large pericardial effusion with right ventricular diagnostic collapse requiring urgent drainage. Subsequently patient improved. Dengue serology (both IgM and IgG) was reported as markedly elevated supporting a diagnosis of classic dengue fever.