Cardiac Tamponade and Constrictive Pericarditis Complicating Endoscopic Sclerotherapy

We report a case of suspected esophageal perforation with injection of a sclerosing agent into the pericardium during endoscopic sclerotherapy of esophageal varices. Immediately after the procedure, the patient developed fever and a pericardial friction rub. Eight months later, he presented with cardiac tamponade and constrictive pericarditis. This complication should be considered whenever a patient presents with inadequate cardiac output, venous congestion, and a pulsus paradoxus following sclerotherapy.