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Purulent and constrictive pericarditis arising from a staphylococcal lumbar infection

J S Ho1, S D Flamm, P J Cook

  • 1Section of Cardiology St Luke's Episcopal Hospital and Texas Heart Institute, Houston 77030, USA.

Texas Heart Institute Journal
|October 27, 2001
PubMed

Insights

A lumbar abscess post-surgery led to staphylococcal purulent pericarditis and anasarca in a 78-year-old man. Surgical pericardiectomy successfully resolved constrictive pericarditis and symptoms.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Neurosurgery

Background:

  • A 78-year-old male patient presented with anasarca.
  • The anasarca was secondary to staphylococcal purulent pericarditis.

Observation:

  • The patient had a history of lumbar laminectomy one month prior.
  • A postoperative lumbar abscess, initially asymptomatic, was identified as the source of infection.
  • The infection spread hematogenously to the pericardium.

Findings:

  • Despite initial aggressive treatment including pericardiocentesis and antibiotics, the patient developed constrictive pericarditis.
  • Pericardiectomy was performed due to the development of constrictive pericarditis.

Implications:

  • This case highlights a rare but serious complication of spinal surgery.
  • Prompt diagnosis and surgical intervention, including pericardiectomy, are crucial for managing purulent pericarditis and its sequelae.

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