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Salmonella: a rare cause of subacute effusive-constrictive pericarditis
J C Doig1, C J Hilton, D S Reid
1Regional Cardiothoracic Centre, Freeman Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne.
Abstract:
A 36 year old woman had emergency pericardectomy because of subacute effusive-constrictive pericarditis. The pericardial fluid and tissue culture showed that this was caused by infection with Salmonella enteritidis. Cardiac involvement with salmonella does not usually present in such an aggressive manner and it has not previously been reported to cause this rare type of cardiac constriction.
Insights
A rare Salmonella enteritidis infection caused subacute effusive-constrictive pericarditis, necessitating emergency pericardectomy. This aggressive cardiac manifestation is unusual for Salmonella and has not been previously documented.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
Background:
- Subacute effusive-constrictive pericarditis is a serious cardiac condition.
- Salmonella enteritidis is a common cause of foodborne illness.
- Cardiac involvement in Salmonella infections is typically rare and less severe.
Observation:
- A 36-year-old woman presented with symptoms of subacute effusive-constrictive pericarditis.
- Cultures of pericardial fluid and tissue identified Salmonella enteritidis as the causative agent.
- The patient required emergency pericardectomy due to the severity of the condition.
Findings:
- This case represents a rare and aggressive presentation of cardiac involvement by Salmonella enteritidis.
- The infection led to the development of constrictive pericarditis, a condition previously unreported for this pathogen.
- The patient's pericardial effusion and subsequent constriction highlight an unusual pathogenic mechanism for Salmonella.
Implications:
- This case expands the known spectrum of cardiac complications associated with Salmonella enteritidis.
- It underscores the importance of considering atypical pathogens in severe pericarditis cases.
- Further research may be needed to understand the mechanisms behind such aggressive cardiac Salmonella infections.