A Rare Case of Primary Meningococcal Myopericarditis in a 71-Year-Old Male

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Infectious Diseases
• Internal Medicine

Background:

• Primary meningococcal pericarditis with myocardial involvement is a rare condition.
• This case represents the oldest patient reported with isolated meningococcal pericardial disease.
• It is only the third reported case of primary meningococcal myopericarditis in English literature.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a rare case of meningococcal C myopericarditis in an elderly patient.
• To emphasize the importance of recognizing this potentially rapidly progressing condition.
• To highlight successful treatment strategies for this rare presentation.

Main Methods:

• Case report of a 71-year-old male.
• Diagnosis based on clinical presentation, laboratory findings (leukocytosis), and likely microbiological identification (meningococcal C).
• Treatment involved full sternotomy, surgical drainage, and intravenous ceftriaxone.

Main Results:

• Successful treatment of primary meningococcal C myopericarditis in the oldest reported patient.
• The patient responded well to surgical intervention and antibiotic therapy.
• Mild initial symptoms, unresponsive to anti-inflammatory drugs, were noted.

Conclusions:

• Meningococcal C infection can cause severe myopericarditis, even in the elderly.
• Leukocytosis and mild symptoms unresponsive to anti-inflammatories may suggest this diagnosis.
• Prompt recognition and aggressive treatment (surgical drainage and antibiotics) are crucial to prevent complications like cardiac tamponade and heart failure.