Clinical Presentation and Management of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Pericarditis-Systematic Review

Milan Radovanovic1,2, Marija Petrovic3, Richard D Hanna1,4

  • 1Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine, Rochester, MN 55905, USA.

Insights

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) pericarditis often presents with sepsis and carries a high mortality rate, particularly in adults. Early diagnosis via echocardiography and pericardiocentesis is crucial for effective treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Cardiology
  • Medical Microbiology

Background:

  • Antibiotic resistance is a growing global health concern, with Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) posing a significant threat.
  • MRSA strains have emerged with resistance to conventional antibiotics, complicating treatment strategies.
  • Pericarditis, inflammation of the pericardium, can be life-threatening, especially when caused by resistant pathogens.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To systematically review and synthesize information on previously documented cases of MRSA pericarditis.
  • To analyze clinical characteristics, treatment outcomes, and mortality associated with MRSA pericarditis.
  • To highlight the importance of early diagnosis and intervention for MRSA pericarditis.

Main Methods:

  • Systematic literature review including only cases with MRSA isolated from the pericardial space.
  • Inclusion of 30 adult and 9 pediatric patients.
  • Analysis of patient demographics, comorbidities, clinical presentation, diagnostic methods, treatment, and outcomes.

Main Results:

  • Pericardial effusion occurred in 94.9% of cases, with tamponade in 83.8%.
  • MRSA was isolated from pericardial fluid in all cases; 64.1% had positive blood cultures.
  • Adults had a 20.5% mortality rate, attributed to septic shock and multi-organ failure; no pediatric mortality was observed.

Conclusions:

  • MRSA pericarditis is frequently associated with sepsis and carries a substantial mortality risk in adults.
  • High clinical suspicion, echocardiography, and pericardiocentesis are essential for timely diagnosis and management.
  • MRSA pericarditis can occur without documented bacteremia in over one-third of cases, underscoring the need for direct pericardial fluid analysis.

Related Concept Videos

Pericarditis III: Medical Management01:17

Pericarditis III: Medical Management

The primary objectives of managing pericarditis are to determine the underlying cause, provide effective therapy for treatment and symptom relief, and promptly detect signs and symptoms of cardiac tamponade. The following outlines the essential aspects of medical management for pericarditis:ObjectivesDetermine the Cause: Identifying the underlying cause of pericarditis is crucial for targeted treatment. Causes include viral infections, autoimmune diseases, post-cardiac injury syndrome, and...
39
Myocarditis III: Medical Management01:14

Myocarditis III: Medical Management

Myocarditis: Comprehensive Medical ManagementMyocarditis, the heart muscle inflammation, requires a comprehensive medical management strategy that addresses the underlying cause, provides supportive care, manages symptoms, and reduces cardiac workload.Infections and Autoimmune CausesAdminister appropriate antimicrobial therapy when an infectious agent causes myocarditis. For instance, penicillin treats infections caused by Group A Streptococcus. In cases where autoimmune processes are...
25
Pericarditis II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests01:19

Pericarditis II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests

Pericarditis is distinguished by inflammation of the pericardium, the fibrous sac that encases the heart. It can be acute, lasting less than six weeks, or chronic, persisting for over three months. Understanding its clinical manifestations and diagnostic findings is crucial for timely and effective management.Clinical ManifestationsWhile pericarditis can be asymptomatic, it usually presents with characteristic symptoms such as:Chest Pain: The most characteristic symptom of pericarditis is chest...
45
Pericarditis IV: Nursing Management01:25

Pericarditis IV: Nursing Management

Pericarditis, an inflammation of the pericardium, necessitates diligent nursing management to ensure effective patient care and recovery. The initial step in managing pericarditis is a comprehensive patient medical assessment.The patient reports chest pain aggravated by breathing, coughing, and swallowing, which worsens when lying supine. The pain often improves when sitting up and leaning forward. Additional symptoms may include fever, malaise, and, in severe cases, signs of heart failure.
69
Endocarditis III: Medical Management01:18

Endocarditis III: Medical Management

Infective endocarditis management involves a multifaceted approach encompassing infection prevention, lifestyle modifications, pharmacological therapy, and surgical management.Infection Prevention:Hand Hygiene: Thorough handwashing is crucial to prevent the spread of infection. Hand hygiene should be performed regularly, especially before and after using the restroom.Oral Hygiene: Good oral hygiene is essential. It includes brushing teeth immediately after waking up and before bed, flossing...
31
Mitral Stenosis III: Medical Management01:26

Mitral Stenosis III: Medical Management

Mitral stenosis, a condition marked by the narrowing of the mitral valve, necessitates an integrated approach for effective management. This approach includes preventative measures, medical therapy, and surgical interventions to reduce symptoms and prevent complications.PreventionPrevention of mitral stenosis primarily focuses on reducing the incidence of bacterial infections, particularly streptococcal infections, which can lead to rheumatic fever and subsequent valvular damage. Timely...
31