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[Primary meningococcal pericarditis caused by meningococcus serogroup C]

M Rayo Gutiérrez1, J Lacalzada Almeida, I Laynez Cerdeña

  • 1Servicio de Cardiología. Hospital Universitario de Canarias. Santa Cruz de Tenerife.

Revista Espanola De Cardiologia
|November 21, 2000
PubMed

Insights

Neisseria meningitidis serogroup C can cause purulent pericarditis and cardiac tamponade, even without meningitis. Prompt treatment with antibiotics, pericardiocentesis, and steroids led to an excellent outcome in a teenage patient.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Cardiology
  • Pediatrics

Background:

  • Purulent pericarditis is a serious infection of the pericardium.
  • Neisseria meningitidis is a known cause of bacterial meningitis and sepsis.
  • Meningococcal pericarditis typically occurs with concurrent meningitis.

Observation:

  • A 15-year-old female presented with cardiac tamponade.
  • Purulent pericarditis was diagnosed, caused by Neisseria meningitidis serogroup C.
  • The patient had no preceding or concurrent central nervous system involvement.

Findings:

  • This case represents primary meningococcal pericarditis, an unusual presentation.
  • Neisseria meningitidis serogroup C was identified as the causative agent.
  • The patient responded well to antibiotics, pericardiocentesis, and steroid therapy.

Implications:

  • Meningococcal disease can manifest atypically, presenting diagnostic challenges.
  • Early recognition of unusual presentations is crucial for timely intervention.
  • This case highlights the importance of considering Neisseria meningitidis in purulent pericarditis, even without meningitis.

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