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Spontaneous contrast in the pericardial sac caused by gas-forming organisms
1Division of Cardiology, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China.
Abstract:
Purulent pericarditis is a life-threatening disease associated with a variety of microorganisms. The case presented herein has unusual manifestations of contrast echoes on two-dimensional echocardiography. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of pericarditis caused by gas-forming group D Streptococcus and Klebsiella pneumoniae with pyopericardium, resulting in contrast echoes on the two-dimensional echocardiographic image.
Insights
Purulent pericarditis, a severe infection of the heart sac, can be caused by unusual bacteria. This case highlights rare echocardiographic findings in gas-forming group D Streptococcus and Klebsiella pneumoniae infections.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Cardiology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Purulent pericarditis is a critical condition with diverse microbial causes.
- Echocardiography is vital for diagnosing pericardial diseases.
Observation:
- A unique case of purulent pericarditis presented with unusual contrast echoes on 2D echocardiography.
- The patient had a pyopericardium caused by gas-forming bacteria.
Findings:
- This is the first reported instance of pericarditis caused by gas-forming group D Streptococcus and Klebsiella pneumoniae.
- The infection led to pyopericardium, manifesting as distinct contrast echoes on echocardiography.
Implications:
- This case expands the understanding of microbial causes of purulent pericarditis.
- It highlights the importance of recognizing rare echocardiographic findings in infectious pericarditis.
- Further research may elucidate the mechanism of contrast echo formation in such infections.