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Group A Streptococcal Pericarditis in a Four-Month-Old Infant: Case report
Badria R Al-Waili1, Sunny K Zacharias2, Emad Aslem3
1Department of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Royal Hospital, Muscat, Oman.
Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal
|July 11, 2017
Summary
Group A Streptococcus (GAS) purulent pericarditis is rare in children. This case highlights the youngest infant diagnosed with GAS pericarditis, emphasizing early recognition and treatment for invasive GAS infections in infants.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Infectious Diseases
- Cardiology
Background:
- Purulent pericarditis is an uncommon condition in pediatric patients.
- Group A Streptococcus (GAS) is a rare cause of purulent pericarditis in infants.
Observation:
- A four-month-old female infant presented with fever, rhinorrhea, and dyspnea.
- The infant developed pericardial effusion and cardiac tamponade.
- Blood and pericardial fluid cultures identified GAS isolates.
Findings:
- The infant received a two-week course of antibiotics.
- Complete recovery was achieved with no residual pericardial effusion on echocardiography at two months.
- This represents the youngest reported case of GAS pericarditis.
Implications:
- Invasive GAS infections can manifest in infancy.
- Prompt diagnosis and management are crucial for favorable outcomes in infants with GAS infections.
- This case underscores the importance of considering rare pathogens in pediatric cardiac emergencies.
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