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Idiopathic hemodynamically unstable polymicrobial purulent pericarditis: a rare case presentation.
Suhaib Ased1, Andrew Nathan Payne1, Calvin Yang1
1Charleston Area Medical Center Charleston West Virginia USA.
Journal of the American College of Emergency Physicians Open
|November 4, 2020
Summary
Purulent pericarditis is a rare, fatal condition. This case highlights a unique polymicrobial infection and the critical role of emergent pericardiocentesis in the emergency department for hemodynamic stability.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Cardiology
- Emergency Medicine
Background:
- Purulent pericarditis is a rare condition, accounting for less than 1% of all pericarditis cases.
- Untreated purulent pericarditis with cardiac tamponade is often fatal.
Observation:
- A 58-year-old male presented with symptoms of purulent pericarditis and hemodynamically unstable cardiac tamponade.
- The patient's condition was associated with a rare polymicrobial infection involving *Haemophilus parainfluenzae*, *Prevotella buccae*, and *Citrobacter freundii*.
Findings:
- Emergent bedside pericardiocentesis was performed in the emergency department.
- This intervention was crucial for stabilizing the patient's hemodynamic status.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of prompt diagnosis and intervention for purulent pericarditis in the emergency setting.
- The identification of this specific polymicrobial combination may inform future diagnostic and treatment strategies for rare pericarditis cases.
Keywords:
emergency departmentemergency medicinepericardial effusionpericardiocentesispericarditissepsistamponadeMore Related Videos
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