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Streptococcus anginosus purulent pericarditis with cardiac tamponade after coronary artery bypass surgery
1Cardiology, University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Angleton, Texas, USA qiacai@utmb.edu.
Insights
Purulent pericarditis from Streptococcus anginosus is rare. This case highlights sternal wound infection as a potential source following cardiac surgery, successfully treated with antibiotics.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Cardiology
- Surgical Infections
Background:
- Purulent pericarditis is a rare but serious complication.
- Streptococcus anginosus is an uncommon cause of purulent pericarditis.
- Post-sternotomy wound complications can lead to deep-seated infections.
Observation:
- A 66-year-old male developed fever, dyspnea, and presyncope after coronary artery bypass surgery.
- Complications included sternal wound dehiscence with drainage.
- Echocardiography revealed a large pericardial effusion causing tamponade.
Findings:
- Emergent pericardiocentesis yielded Streptococcus anginosus.
- Intravenous ceftriaxone for 4 weeks resulted in complete clinical recovery.
- The sternal wound was identified as the likely source of infection.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of vigilant monitoring for deep sternal wound infections post-cardiac surgery.
- It highlights Streptococcus anginosus as a potential pathogen in post-operative purulent pericarditis.
- Early recognition and targeted antibiotic therapy are crucial for favorable outcomes.
Abstract:
Purulent pericarditis caused by Streptococcus anginosus is extremely rare. A 66-year-old man underwent elective coronary artery bypass surgery. This was complicated by sternal wound dehiscence with drainage. Subsequently, he developed fever, progressive dyspnoea and presyncope. Echocardiography showed a large pericardial effusion with evidence of tamponade. He underwent emergent pericardiocentesis. The pericardial fluid culture grew S. anginosus He was treated with 4 weeks of intravenous ceftriaxone with complete clinical recovery. The source of infection was most likely the sternal wound which was overlooked during debridement and rewiring surgery.
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