Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 18, 2025

Experimental Endocarditis Model of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus MRSA in Rat
Published on: June 4, 2012
Rapidly Developing Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus Pericarditis and Pericardial Tamponade
Laith Ali1, Amre Ghazzal1, Tariq Sallam1
1Internal Medicine, MedStar Washington Hospital Center, Washington, DC, USA.
Abstract:
Methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) pericarditis is a rare life-threatening infection. A 46-year-old female with hypertension, acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and recurrent neck abscesses, presented with a neck abscess and sepsis. Bloody purulent drainage from the abscess was found and antibiotics were started. Drainage was positive for MRSA. Four days after, course was complicated by acute pericarditis and pericardial tamponade; pericardial fluid was drained and was positive for MRSA. Vancomycin was continued, and aspirin and colchicine were started. Two days later, there was a recurrent pericardial fluid collection with loculation. Surgery was thought to be dangerous in the setting of CD4 count of 12. She was managed conservatively thereafter, with vancomycin, aspirin and colchicine, and was successfully discharged from the hospital.
Insights
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) caused a rare and life-threatening infection in a patient with AIDS. The patient successfully recovered from MRSA pericarditis and sepsis with conservative medical management.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Cardiology
- Critical Care Medicine
Background:
- Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) pericarditis is a rare but severe infection.
- Patients with Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) and other comorbidities are at higher risk for invasive infections.
Observation:
- The patient presented with a neck abscess and sepsis, with drainage testing positive for MRSA.
- Complications included acute pericarditis and cardiac tamponade, with MRSA identified in pericardial fluid.
Findings:
- Initial treatment involved antibiotics, with vancomycin continued for MRSA pericarditis.
- Aspirin and colchicine were initiated for pericarditis management.
- Recurrent pericardial effusion occurred, but surgery was deemed too high-risk due to a low CD4 count (12).
Implications:
- This case highlights the successful conservative management of MRSA pericarditis and cardiac tamponade in an advanced AIDS patient.
- It underscores the importance of tailored treatment strategies in complex infectious and cardiovascular conditions.
- The successful outcome emphasizes the role of antibiotics and anti-inflammatory agents in managing severe pericardial infections when surgery is contraindicated.
Related Concept Videos
Pericarditis III: Medical Management
Pericarditis I: Introduction
Pericarditis II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests
Pericarditis IV: Nursing Management
Rheumatic Heart Disease I: Introduction
Endocarditis I: Introduction

