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Purulent Pericarditis Caused by Bacteroides fragilis: A Rare Complication of Cholangitis

Samer Saouma1, Peter C Olson1, Asif Uddin1

  • 1Department of Medicine, Staten Island University Hospital-Northwell Health, Staten Island, NY, USA.

Cardiology Research
|October 23, 2019
PubMed

Insights

Bacterial pericarditis is rare, but this case shows Bacteroides fragilis from a liver abscess caused pericardial effusion. High suspicion for bacterial infection is crucial in sepsis with pericarditis.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Cardiology
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • Bacterial pericarditis is uncommon in the modern antibiotic era.
  • Purulent pericarditis presents higher complication risks than viral or idiopathic causes.
  • Staphylococcus aureus is the most common bacterial cause.

Observation:

  • A rare case of pericarditis caused by Bacteroides fragilis is presented.
  • The infection originated from a liver abscess.
  • This led to the development of pericardial effusion.

Findings:

  • Bacteroides fragilis, a Gram-negative anaerobic bacterium, can cause purulent pericarditis.
  • Liver abscesses can be a source of Bacteroides fragilis bacteremia.
  • The patient presented with sepsis and pericardial effusion.

Implications:

  • Clinicians should consider bacterial infection in patients with sepsis and pericarditis.
  • Maintaining a high index of suspicion for unusual bacterial pathogens is important.
  • Prompt diagnosis and treatment of bacterial pericarditis can prevent severe complications.
Keywords:
BacteroidesCholangitisLiver abscessPurulent pericarditisTamponade

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