Related Experiment Videos
[Pericarditis following meningococcal septicemia without meningitis]
1Medizinische Abteilung, Regionalspital Burgdorf.
Schweizerische Medizinische Wochenschrift
|March 26, 1988
Summary
A 68-year-old woman developed life-threatening pericarditis during treatment for meningococcal septicemia. High-dose steroids rapidly improved her condition, suggesting a role in managing this rare complication.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Critical Care Medicine
Background:
- Subacute septicemia caused by Neisseria meningitidis type C can present with severe complications.
- Meningococcal infections, though rare, require prompt diagnosis and management.
Observation:
- A 68-year-old female patient presented with subacute septicemia due to Neisseria meningitidis type C.
- Despite appropriate antibiotic therapy, she developed pericarditis with signs of impending cardiac tamponade on day 10.
Findings:
- The patient's pericarditis and impending cardiac tamponade were a complication of meningococcal septicemia.
- High-dose steroid therapy resulted in immediate clinical improvement.
Implications:
- This case highlights a rare but serious complication of meningococcal septicemia.
- Early administration of high-dose steroids may be beneficial in managing meningococcal pericarditis with cardiac tamponade.