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Pericardial actinomycosis: case report and review
T D Fife1, S M Finegold, T Grennan
1Department of Internal Medicine, University of California, Davis, Sacramento.
Reviews of Infectious Diseases
|January 1, 1991
Summary
Pericardial actinomycosis, a rare infection, often goes undiagnosed due to subtle symptoms and difficult diagnosis. Early recognition and treatment with antibiotics and drainage are crucial for managing this serious condition.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Cardiology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Pericardial actinomycosis is an uncommon infection with nonspecific clinical presentations.
- Diagnosis is often delayed due to low culture positivity and absent pathognomonic signs.
Observation:
- This report details a case of pericardial actinomycosis and reviews 18 previously reported cases since 1950.
- Risk factors include aspiration pneumonia, alcohol abuse, and periodontal disease.
- Thoracopulmonary actinomycosis is the most common origin, spreading directly to the pericardium.
Findings:
- Actinomyces can cause purulent pericarditis, potentially leading to cardiac tamponade or constrictive pericarditis.
- Histologic examination of biopsy material is frequently essential for diagnosis.
- Extrathoracic dissemination is rare.
Implications:
- Prompt diagnosis and management are vital for patient outcomes.
- Treatment involves high-dose, long-term antimicrobial therapy and pericardial drainage.
- Increased awareness among clinicians may improve early detection rates.