Nocardia asteroides pericarditis in association with HIV

This case report describes Nocardia pericarditis in a newly diagnosed human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) patient as an initial manifestation. Previously, two cases of Nocardia pericarditis were reported in patients with established HIV infection. To our knowledge this is the first case of Nocardia pericarditis as an initial manifestation of HIV infection. This case substantiates and emphasizes the importance of identifying Nocardia as an infectious cause of pericarditis in patients with acquired immunodeficiency. Long-term survival may be achieved with a combined medical and surgical approach.