Unveiling a Rare Complication: Coronary Stent-Related Infection Manifesting as Cardiac Tamponade—A Case Report

Coronary stent infection leading to Acute bacterial pericarditis is a rare but critical condition associated with significant mortality and morbidity, often complicated by the development of pericardial effusion and cardiac tamponade. ¹ In this case report, we present the case of a 30-year-old male patient with a history of diabetes, who experienced an acute inferior wall myocardial infarction and subsequently underwent primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) to the right coronary artery (RCA). Approximately two weeks after the PCI, the patient developed pericardial effusion with impending cardiac tamponade, requiring a pericardiocentesis procedure that resulted in the aspiration of 200 mL of fluid. Analysis of the pericardial fluid revealed the presence of pus cells, low glucose, and growth of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in culture. Further evaluation, including FDG PET imaging, demonstrated increased tracer uptake in the area corresponding to the RCA stent, while coronary angiography revealed the presence of an RCA aneurysm. The patient received appropriate antibiotic therapy followed by resection of aneurysm. This case underscores the importance of recognizing and promptly managing coronary stent infection-related complications to optimize patient outcomes.