Cardiac Tamponade and Pleural Effusion Complicating Varicella: A Case Report

Varicella is a common infectious disease, usually benign and self-limited, and complications are believed to be rare. Most cases occur in healthy children younger than 14 years. Serious complications are uncommon, although high-risk groups have been identified, such as immunosuppressed patients, neonates, and adults. Cardiac tamponade after pericardial effusion occurring as a complication of varicella infection has been very infrequently reported. We describe an 8-month-old infant presenting with cardiac tamponade after varicella infection secondary to purulent bacterial pericardial effusion. He required a pericardial window formation. He also developed pleural empyema, another uncommon complication requiring thoracostomy drainage. This illustrative case, management, and unique features will be presented along with a review of all cases of varicella complicated by pericarditis in the English literature.