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Brucella pericarditis: A forgotten cause of chest pain

Feridoun Sabzi1, Reza Faraji1

  • 1Preventive Cardiovascular Research Centre, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran.

Caspian Journal of Internal Medicine
|July 14, 2017
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Brucellosis pericarditis, a rare cardiovascular complication of Brucella infection, can present as chest pain mimicking heart disease. This case highlights Brucella melitensis as a cause of isolated pericardial involvement.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Cardiology
  • Internal Medicine

Background:

  • Brucellosis is a zoonotic infection with worldwide distribution, endemic in regions like Iran.
  • Cardiovascular involvement in brucellosis, particularly pericarditis, is exceptionally rare.
  • Brucella species, such as Brucella melitensis, can affect the pericardium.

Observation:

  • A 50-year-old woman presented with symptoms including night sweats, mild fever, weight loss, and chest pain.
  • The patient's clinical presentation was indicative of pericardial involvement.
  • Diagnostic workup confirmed Brucella melitensis as the causative agent.

Findings:

  • Pericarditis developed as an isolated cardiac manifestation of brucellosis.
  • The condition could be asymptomatic or present with symptoms like chest pain.
  • Chest pain in this context may resemble ischemic heart disease.

Implications:

  • This case underscores the importance of considering brucellosis in the differential diagnosis of pericarditis, especially in endemic areas.
  • Early recognition and treatment of brucellosis are crucial to prevent cardiac complications.
  • Further research is needed to understand the pathophysiology and optimal management of brucellosis-related cardiac disease.
Keywords:
BrucellaCardiovascular systemChest pain

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