Expat living in Dubai victoriously overcomes scarce cardiac illness, an uncommon heart infection
In a remarkable display of clinical excellence and preparedness, Aster Hospital in Dubai successfully treated Santiago Dias Rogue, a 52-year-old Indian expatriate, who was battling a rare and life-threatening cardiac arrest known as cardiac tamponade.
Rogue's condition worsened, prompting urgent echocardiography that revealed critical fluid buildup compressing his heart, confirming the diagnosis. The emergency surgery was led by Dr. Sandeep Shrivastava, a specialist in surgery, and Dr. Shipra Shrivastava, a specialist in emergency medicine, with support from interventional cardiologist Dr. Krishna Sarin MS Nair.
Meningococcal disease, a rare but dangerous bacterial infection, was the underlying cause of Rogue's cardiac arrest. His case involved Primary Meningococcal Pericarditis (PMP), one of the rarest documented presentations of meningococcal infection worldwide, with only seven reported cases worldwide of meningococcal infection primarily affecting the heart and leading to cardiac arrest.
The team had to manage the infectious risk to hospital staff due to the highly contagious nature of meningococcal bacteria. Strict isolation measures were enforced during the high-risk procedure to protect hospital staff and other patients.
Rogue spent three days in the intensive care unit before being shifted to the ward. He completed a two-week course of intravenous antibiotics and was discharged in stable condition.
This case underscores the unpredictable ways meningococcal bacteria can strike and highlights the importance of clinical awareness and swift multidisciplinary action in managing rare but life-threatening cardiac arrest. Rogue expressed his gratitude towards Dr. Sandeep, Dr. Shipra, and Dr. Krishna for saving his life.
Typically, only around 2 in every 10,000 people develop cardiac arrest, and almost never from meningococcal infection. The surgical team at Aster Hospital created drainage openings in the pericardium to restore the patient's heart function and prevent recurrence.
Rogue arrived at the emergency department with chest and upper stomach pain, initially diagnosed as a viral infection and complications linked to uncontrolled diabetes. The surgery involved opening the chest, draining pus and fluid, and creating openings in the pericardium to prevent further accumulation.
This extraordinary example of clinical excellence and preparedness at Aster Hospital serves as a testament to the hospital's commitment to providing world-class healthcare services.
