Simultaneous malignant hypertension and cardiac tamponade

Malignant hypertension and cardiac tamponade are uncommon but potentially life-threatening medical emergencies. Both conditions may be associated with collagen vascular diseases, such as systemic lupus erythematosus. We report a case of acute cardiac tamponade associated with malignant hypertension secondary to lupus nephritis. Immediately after pericardiocentesis, blood pressure declined substantially. Although malignant hypertension is seen with modest frequency in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus, true cardiac tamponade is a less common complication of lupus serositis. Acute, simultaneous presentation of both life-threatening entities and the hemodynamic course have not been described. © 2002 by the National Kidney Foundation, Inc.