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Published on: August 26, 2025
[Intrapericardial fibrinolysis as a therapeutic option in a case of purulent pericarditis]
C Zimmermann1, B Braun, M H Hust
1Medizinische Klinik, Klinikum am Steinenberg, Reutlingen. cdz932001@aol.com
History And Admission Findings:
A 23-year-old man known to have Hodgkin's disease in remission and C-protein deficiency presented with chest pain and symptoms of respiratory infection.
Investigations:
A purulent pericardial effusion was detected by echocardiography. The chest X-ray showed a left-sided pneumonia.
Treatment And Clinical Course:
When pericardiocentesis failed to drain the purulent but pathogen-free effusion completely, streptokinase was several times instilled intrapericardially and achieved fibrinolysis without complication. The effusion did not recur.
Conclusions:
Intrapericardial application of fibrinolytic agents seems to be an effective treatment of a purulent pericarditis.
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