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A rare case of pyogenic pericarditis secondary to Streptococcus constellatus

Sehem Ghazala1, Todd Rabkin Golden2, Sumaya Farran3

  • 1Department of Internal Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA.

BMJ Case Reports
|March 30, 2018
PubMed

Insights

A rare case of purulent pericarditis caused by Streptococcus constellatus, a common oral bacterium, was reported in an immunocompetent woman. Prompt medical intervention led to a full recovery, highlighting the importance of early diagnosis.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Cardiology
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • Purulent pericarditis is a rare but serious infection of the pericardium.
  • Streptococcus constellatus, a member of the Streptococcus anginosus group, is a common oral commensal, rarely causing invasive disease.

Observation:

  • A previously healthy 71-year-old immunocompetent woman presented with acute shortness of breath, chest tightness, and fever.
  • She had no significant medical history, recent travel, or known sick contacts.

Findings:

  • The patient was diagnosed with purulent pericarditis.
  • Cultures identified Streptococcus constellatus as the causative pathogen, originating from oral flora.

Implications:

  • This case underscores the potential for commensal oral bacteria like S. constellatus to cause severe infections in healthy individuals.
  • Early recognition and treatment of purulent pericarditis are crucial for favorable patient outcomes.
  • Highlights the importance of considering less common pathogens in the differential diagnosis of pericarditis.
Keywords:
infectious diseasespericardial disease

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