Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 17, 2025

An Intact Pericardium Ischemic Rodent Model
07:15

An Intact Pericardium Ischemic Rodent Model

Published on: September 2, 2021

2.5K

A Case of Cutibacterium acnes Pericardial Effusion After Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery

Travis R Moodie1, John Taylor2, Benjamin Shepple2

  • 1Internal Medicine, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, USA.

Cureus
|September 8, 2023
PubMed

Insights

Cutibacterium acnes, a common skin bacterium, caused purulent pericarditis after heart surgery. Prompt diagnosis via transesophageal echo and antibiotic treatment led to patient recovery.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Cardiology
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • Cutibacterium acnes is a gram-positive anaerobic rod typically colonizing skin and mucosal membranes.
  • While commonly linked to acne vulgaris, its pathogenic role in other infections is less understood.
  • Coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery is a major cardiac procedure with potential infectious complications.

Observation:

  • A 58-year-old male developed fever and hypoxia on postoperative day seven following CABG.
  • Initial transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) showed no significant findings.
  • A subsequent transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) revealed a loculated pericardial effusion.

Findings:

  • Purulent pericarditis was diagnosed secondary to Cutibacterium acnes infection.
  • Cultures of the drained pericardial fluid confirmed the presence of C. acnes.
  • The patient successfully completed five weeks of antibiotic therapy.

Implications:

  • This case highlights a rare but serious complication of C. acnes following cardiac surgery.
  • Transesophageal echocardiography is crucial for diagnosing loculated pericardial effusions missed by TTE.
  • Early detection and appropriate antibiotic management are key to favorable outcomes in C. acnes-related pericarditis.
Keywords:
bacterial pericarditiscoronary artery bypass grafting (cabg)cutibacterium acnesechocardiogram (echo)loculated pericardial effusionperioperative echopurulent pericarditistransesophageal echo

More Related Videos

Author Spotlight: Enhancing Coronary Artery Revascularization05:25

Author Spotlight: Enhancing Coronary Artery Revascularization

Published on: September 15, 2023

751
Colon Ascendens Stent Peritonitis CASP - a Standardized Model for Polymicrobial Abdominal Sepsis06:45

Colon Ascendens Stent Peritonitis CASP - a Standardized Model for Polymicrobial Abdominal Sepsis

Published on: December 18, 2010

19.5K

Related Concept Videos

Pericarditis I: Introduction01:22

Pericarditis I: Introduction

Pericarditis is defined as the inflammation of the pericardium, the thin, sac-like membrane surrounding the heart. This condition can cause significant chest pain and other symptoms, often necessitating medical intervention. The pericardium has two layers: the inner visceral layer and the outer parietal layer, separated by a small amount of fluid that reduces friction during heartbeats.Types of PericarditisPericarditis can be classified into several types based on the duration and nature of the...
11
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...
13
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.
20
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...
9
Endocarditis I: Introduction01:25

Endocarditis I: Introduction

Introduction:Endocarditis is the infection of the endocardium, the inner lining of the heart and its valves. When the heart muscle is involved, the condition is termed myocarditis, while an infection of the outer lining is called pericarditis. Infective endocarditis (IE) primarily affects the endocardium, where pathogens adhere to the valves or lining, forming vegetation that can lead to severe complications. Infective endocarditis occurs when microorganisms, usually bacteria from other body...
12
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...
8