Coccidioidal pericarditis: implications of surgical treatment in the elderly

Coccidioidal pericarditis, an uncommonly diagnosed entity, may evolve to a constrictive process. Constrictive coccidioidal pericarditis requires pericardiectomy and antifungal therapy. In the elderly, pericardiectomy may be complicated by coagulopathy and septic shock. Despite potential toxicity, use of antifungal therapy early postoperatively offers the best chance for survival.