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Updated: Jun 11, 2026

Local Anesthetic Thoracoscopy for Undiagnosed Pleural Effusion
Published on: November 10, 2023
Pericardiectomy for pleuropericardial effusion complicating bacterial pneumonia
Andrea Quarti1, Fernando Maria de Benedictis, Elli Soura
1Department of Congenital and Paediatric Cardiac Surgery and Cardiology, Ospedali Riuniti, 60128 Ancona, Italy.
Insights
Severe pericardial effusion, a rare bacterial pneumonia complication, can be life-threatening in immunodeficient patients. Surgical pericardiectomy may be necessary when medical treatments fail.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Severe pericardial effusion is an uncommon complication of bacterial pneumonia.
- It typically resolves with medical management.
- Congenital immunodeficiency can complicate pneumonia outcomes.
Abstract:
Severe pericardial effusion is a rare complication of bacterial pneumonia and it usually disappears under medical treatment. Herein we report a case of a girl with a congenital immunodeficient syndrome and bacterial pneumonia, who developed recurrent and life-threatening pericardial effusion refractory to medical treatment. She was finally treated with pericardiectomy.
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A pleural effusion is the abnormal collection of fluid between the parietal and visceral pleura layers of tissue that form the lining of the lungs and chest cavity. It can occur independently or due to surrounding parenchymal diseases, such as infection, malignancy, or inflammatory conditions.
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