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The bug and the big heart --melioidotic pericardial effusion

K L Yew1, T H Ng, S H How

  • 1Hospital Umum Sarawak, Jalan Tun Ahmad Zaidi Adruce, 93586, Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia. yewkuanleong@yahoo.com.

The Medical Journal of Malaysia
|June 15, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Melioidosis, a serious infection from Burkholderia pseudomallei, can cause widespread abscesses. This case highlights a rare instance of purulent pericardial effusion due to melioidosis, successfully treated with pericardiocentesis.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Bacteriology
  • Cardiology

Background:

  • Melioidosis is a severe infection caused by the Gram-negative bacterium Burkholderia pseudomallei.
  • It commonly leads to abscesses in various organs, including the lungs, liver, spleen, and musculoskeletal system, and can cause sepsis.

Observation:

  • A rare case of purulent pericardial effusion was observed.
  • The patient also presented with concomitant pneumonia and splenic abscesses.

Findings:

  • The purulent pericardial effusion was caused by Burkholderia pseudomallei infection (melioidosis).
  • Pericardiocentesis was performed as a key intervention.
  • The patient experienced a successful recovery from cardiogenic and septic shock.

Implications:

  • This case expands the known clinical manifestations of melioidosis.
  • Highlights the importance of considering melioidosis in endemic areas, even with unusual presentations like pericardial effusion.
  • Demonstrates the efficacy of pericardiocentesis in managing severe complications of melioidosis.

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