Atraumatic suppurative mediastinitis and purulent pericarditis due to Eikenella corrodens

C C Hardy1, S N Raza, B Isalska

  • 1Department of Cardiothoracic Medicine, Wythenshawe Hospital, Manchester.

Thorax
|June 1, 1988
PubMed

Insights

Atraumatic suppurative mediastinitis, a rare infection, can lead to purulent pericarditis. This case highlights Eikenella corrodens as a causative agent in this uncommon condition.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Cardiology
  • Thoracic Surgery

Background:

  • Atraumatic suppurative mediastinitis is a rare clinical entity.
  • Mediastinitis can lead to serious complications if not promptly diagnosed and treated.

Observation:

  • This report details a rare case of atraumatic suppurative mediastinitis.
  • The infection was associated with purulent pericarditis.

Findings:

  • Eikenella corrodens was identified as the causative pathogen.
  • This bacterium is an uncommon cause of mediastinitis and pericarditis.

Implications:

  • Highlights the importance of considering Eikenella corrodens in atraumatic infections of the chest.
  • Underscores the potential for mediastinitis to involve the pericardium.
  • Emphasizes the need for appropriate microbiological diagnosis in complex thoracic infections.

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