Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 29, 2026

Visualization of Streptococcus pneumoniae within Cardiac Microlesions and Subsequent Cardiac Remodeling
08:25

Visualization of Streptococcus pneumoniae within Cardiac Microlesions and Subsequent Cardiac Remodeling

Published on: April 7, 2015

Severe cardiovascular and thromboembolic consequences of pneumococcal infection in a child

Afraa Al-Sabbagh1, Katherine Catford, Ian Evans

  • 1Paediatric Intensive Care Unit, Hill's Road, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, United Kingdom. afraata@yahoo.co.uk

Pediatrics
|October 3, 2008
PubMed

Insights

A severe pneumococcal infection case in a healthy child led to pneumonia, empyema, pericarditis, and dangerous blood clots. This highlights the potential severity of pneumococcal disease even in immunocompetent individuals.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Infectious Diseases
  • Cardiology
  • Pulmonology

Background:

  • Pneumococcal infections typically present as pneumonia.
  • Immunocompetent children are generally at lower risk for severe invasive pneumococcal disease.

Observation:

  • An immunocompetent child developed severe pneumococcal infection.
  • The infection rapidly progressed from pneumonia to empyema and pericarditis with cardiac tamponade.

Findings:

  • The patient experienced extensive venous thromboembolism.
  • Life-threatening pulmonary embolism complicated the clinical course.
  • This case demonstrates a rare, aggressive manifestation of pneumococcal infection.

Implications:

  • Highlights the need for vigilance in diagnosing and managing severe pneumococcal disease, even in healthy children.
  • Underscores the potential for rapid deterioration and multi-organ involvement.
  • Emphasizes the importance of considering thromboembolism in severe pediatric infections.

More Related Videos

Following in Real Time the Impact of Pneumococcal Virulence Factors in an Acute Mouse Pneumonia Model Using Bioluminescent Bacteria11:32

Following in Real Time the Impact of Pneumococcal Virulence Factors in an Acute Mouse Pneumonia Model Using Bioluminescent Bacteria

Published on: February 23, 2014

Related Concept Videos

Pneumonia III: Complications and Assessment01:30

Pneumonia III: Complications and Assessment

Pneumonia poses the potential for numerous complications that warrant consideration. These complications include the following:
Pulmonary Embolism I: Introduction01:29

Pulmonary Embolism I: Introduction

Pulmonary embolism (PE) occurs when a thrombus, fat or air embolus, amniotic fluid, or tumor tissue blocks one or more pulmonary arteries. These blockages originate in the venous system or the right side of the heart.EtiologyPE primarily arises from deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and other hypercoagulable states, such as inherited thrombophilias. Additional etiological factors include venous stasis, commonly seen in obesity, and endothelial injury from surgery and trauma. Less common causes include...
Pulmonary Embolism I: Introduction01:19

Pulmonary Embolism I: Introduction

A blood clot, or thrombus, is a semi-solid mass composed of fibrin, platelets, and red blood cells. When it forms within a vessel, it can obstruct blood flow, known as thrombosis. If part of the clot detaches, it becomes an embolus that can travel and block distant vessels. When this occurs in the pulmonary arteries, it causes a condition known as pulmonary embolism (PE).Origin and ImpactMost often, the embolus originates from a thrombus in the deep veins of the lower limbs, a condition called...
Pneumothorax-I01:26

Pneumothorax-I

A pneumothorax is a condition where air builds up in the space between the lung and the chest wall, causing the lung to collapse. This condition arises when air enters the space between the parietal and visceral pleura, disrupting the negative pressure essential for lung inflation. This can lead to a partial or complete collapse of the lung.
Pneumothorax can be even further classified as spontaneous, traumatic, and tension pneumothorax.
Pneumonia I: Introduction01:29

Pneumonia I: Introduction

Pneumonia is an infection of the lower respiratory tract that leads to inflammation of the lung parenchyma, often resulting in the accumulation of inflammatory exudate in the alveoli and airways. Unlike the watery, low-protein fluid exudate in pulmonary edema, the exudate in this case is a thick fluid rich in immune cells, proteins, and debris produced during infection and inflammation.This impairs gas exchange and can lead to consolidation of lung tissue. The infection may be caused by a...
Pneumonia I: Introduction01:30

Pneumonia I: Introduction

Pneumonia is an acute respiratory infection that targets the lungs, specifically the alveoli. These tiny air sacs, essential for oxygen exchange, become engorged with pus and fluid, severely hindering breathing, decreasing oxygen absorption, and causing significant pain and discomfort during respiration.
Risk Factors
Various factors influence the likelihood of developing pneumonia. Age plays a crucial role, with infants, children under two, and individuals over 65 at increased risk due to their...