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Published on: April 7, 2015
A Rare Case of Primary Purulent Pericarditis Caused by Streptococcus constellatus
Medeinė Kapačinskaitė1, Dovilė Gabartaitė2, Agnė Šatrauskienė1
1Faculty of Medicine, Vilnius University, M.K. Čiurlionio g. 21, 03101 Vilnius, Lithuania.
Abstract:
Background: Bacteria-caused acute pericarditis is a very rare entity. It is usually associated with an underlying infection or compromised immune system. Primary purulent pericarditis in a previously healthy individual is highly unexpected; therefore, it is likely to have a delayed diagnosis and poor outcomes. Case: We report a case of an adult immunocompetent patient with primary bacterial pericarditis caused by a member of the commensal oral flora Streptococcus constellatus. The patient presented with septic shock and cardiac tamponade, and was further complicated with constrictive pericarditis, which was successfully treated with pericardiectomy. Conclusions: Bacterial pericarditis is a fulminant disease with a high mortality and complication rate. Fast recognition and prompt therapy are required to achieve a full recovery.
Insights
Primary bacterial pericarditis, though rare in healthy individuals, can cause severe illness. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are crucial for recovery from this serious condition.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
Background:
- Bacterial acute pericarditis is a rare condition, often linked to underlying infections or immune compromise.
- Primary purulent pericarditis in healthy individuals is exceptionally uncommon, leading to delayed diagnosis and poor prognoses.
Observation:
- A case of an immunocompetent adult with primary bacterial pericarditis caused by Streptococcus constellatus is presented.
- The patient experienced septic shock and cardiac tamponade, progressing to constrictive pericarditis.
Findings:
- Streptococcus constellatus, a common oral bacterium, was identified as the causative agent.
- The patient underwent successful treatment with pericardiectomy for constrictive pericarditis.
Implications:
- Bacterial pericarditis is a rapidly progressing disease with significant mortality and complication risks.
- Early recognition and immediate therapeutic intervention are essential for favorable patient outcomes.
Related Concept Videos
Pericarditis I: Introduction
Endocarditis I: Introduction
Pericarditis II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests
Rheumatic Heart Disease I: Introduction
Endocarditis II: Clinical Features of Infective Endocarditis
Endocarditis III: Medical Management

