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Constrictive pericarditis following a pyopericardium due to Staphylococcus aureus
Fadi Farhat1, Olivier Dubreuil, Pierre-Georges Durand
1Department of Cardiovascular Surgery B, Unité 31, Professor Jegaden, Louis Pradel Hospital, 28, avenue du doyen Lepine, BP Lyon-Monchat, 69394 Lyon, France. fadi.farhat@chu-lyon.fr
Interactive Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery
|August 3, 2007
Summary
Staphylococcus aureus purulent pericarditis can lead to constrictive pericarditis, a rare but serious condition. Surgical pericardiectomy offered excellent results in this case, despite associated risks.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Thoracic Surgery
Background:
- Purulent pericarditis, an infection of the pericardium, can lead to serious complications.
- Staphylococcus aureus is a common pathogen, but its role in causing constrictive pericarditis is infrequent.
- Constrictive pericarditis significantly impairs cardiac function and requires timely intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a rare case of constrictive pericarditis secondary to Staphylococcus aureus purulent pericarditis.
- To highlight the diagnostic findings and successful surgical management of this condition.
- To discuss the clinical implications and potential risks associated with pericardiectomy in such cases.
Main Methods:
- Case presentation of a 58-year-old male patient.
- Diagnostic confirmation using computed tomography-scan and hemodynamic assessment.
- Surgical intervention involving pericardiectomy and epicardiectomy.
Main Results:
- The patient developed constrictive pericarditis three weeks post-purulent pericarditis.
- Computed tomography and hemodynamic findings confirmed the diagnosis.
- Pericardiectomy and epicardiectomy yielded excellent immediate and mid-term outcomes.
Conclusions:
- Constrictive pericarditis following Staphylococcus aureus infection is an uncommon but severe clinical entity.
- Surgical pericardiectomy, while carrying risks, can be an effective treatment for this condition.
- Early diagnosis and intervention are crucial for managing patients with post-infectious constrictive pericarditis.
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