Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 29, 2026
07:47
Experimental Human Pneumococcal Carriage
Published on: February 15, 2013
16.2K
A case of purulent pneumococcal pericarditis
Itay Zmora1, Yonit Wiener-Well2, Evan Avraham Alpert1
1Department of Emergency Medicine, Shaare Zedek Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel.
The American Journal of Emergency Medicine
|February 20, 2019
Summary
Purulent bacterial pericarditis is a rare but fatal condition. Emergency physicians should consider it in patients with severe infections and pericardial effusion, requiring prompt antibiotic treatment and drainage.
Area of Science:
- Emergency Medicine
- Infectious Diseases
- Cardiology
Background:
- Purulent bacterial pericarditis is a rare and potentially fatal condition.
- Its presentation can be fulminant and diagnostically challenging.
Observation:
- A 75-year-old male presented with rapid deterioration, confusion, and shock.
- Bedside ultrasound revealed a significant pericardial effusion.
- Emergent pericardiocentesis yielded purulent fluid, later identified as Streptococcus pneumoniae.
Findings:
- The patient's condition rapidly worsened, necessitating immediate intervention.
- Diagnosis was confirmed by purulent pericardial fluid culture.
- Streptococcus pneumoniae was identified as the causative agent.
Implications:
- Emergency physicians must consider purulent pericarditis in patients with fulminant infections, especially pneumonia, and signs of pericardial effusion.
- Early diagnosis and intervention, including antibiotics and drainage, are crucial for patient survival.
- This case highlights the importance of recognizing rare but life-threatening conditions in emergency settings.
Related Concept Videos
01:22Pericarditis I: Introduction
383
Pericarditis is defined as the inflammation of the pericardium, the thin, sac-like membrane surrounding the heart. This condition can cause significant chest pain and other symptoms, often necessitating medical intervention. The pericardium has two layers: the inner visceral layer and the outer parietal layer, separated by a small amount of fluid that reduces friction during heartbeats.Types of PericarditisPericarditis can be classified into several types based on the duration and nature of the...
383
01:17Pericarditis III: Medical Management
344
The primary objectives of managing pericarditis are to determine the underlying cause, provide effective therapy for treatment and symptom relief, and promptly detect signs and symptoms of cardiac tamponade. The following outlines the essential aspects of medical management for pericarditis:ObjectivesDetermine the Cause: Identifying the underlying cause of pericarditis is crucial for targeted treatment. Causes include viral infections, autoimmune diseases, post-cardiac injury syndrome, and...
344
01:25Pericarditis IV: Nursing Management
358
Pericarditis, an inflammation of the pericardium, necessitates diligent nursing management to ensure effective patient care and recovery. The initial step in managing pericarditis is a comprehensive patient medical assessment.The patient reports chest pain aggravated by breathing, coughing, and swallowing, which worsens when lying supine. The pain often improves when sitting up and leaning forward. Additional symptoms may include fever, malaise, and, in severe cases, signs of heart failure.
358
01:19Pericarditis II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests
321
Pericarditis is distinguished by inflammation of the pericardium, the fibrous sac that encases the heart. It can be acute, lasting less than six weeks, or chronic, persisting for over three months. Understanding its clinical manifestations and diagnostic findings is crucial for timely and effective management.Clinical ManifestationsWhile pericarditis can be asymptomatic, it usually presents with characteristic symptoms such as:Chest Pain: The most characteristic symptom of pericarditis is chest...
321