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Published on: March 10, 2020
Pericarditis Due to Campylobacter fetus subsp. fetus: A Case Report of an Uncommon Infection
Marília Andreia Fernandes1, Francisco Gonçalves2, Lino Gonçalves2
1Department of Internal Medicine, Hospital Curry Cabral, Centro Hospitalar Universitário de Lisboa Central, Lisbon, PRT.
Abstract:
Pericarditis is a common condition with numerous aetiologies. Bacteria other than the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex are an exceptional cause. We present a case of subacute pericarditis highly probable due to Campylobacter fetus subsp. fetus in an immunosuppressed patient undergoing biologic therapy in relation to systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). On admission, the patient presented with chest pain, dyspnea, and diaphoresis and has lately developed fever and a large pericardial effusion (PE) with a concomitant increase in the inflammatory parameters. The clinical presentation, along with the exclusion of a flare of the autoimmune disease and the isolation of Campylobacter fetus subsp. fetus on blood samples permitted the diagnosis. After therapy with antibiotics and colchicine, the patient showed full recovery.
Insights
A rare bacterial cause of pericarditis, Campylobacter fetus, was identified in an immunosuppressed patient with systemic lupus erythematosus. Prompt antibiotic and colchicine treatment led to a full recovery from this exceptional infection.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Cardiology
- Rheumatology
Background:
- Pericarditis is a common cardiac condition with diverse causes.
- Bacterial infections, excluding Mycobacterium tuberculosis, are rare causes of pericarditis.
- Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients on biologic therapy are immunocompromised, increasing infection risk.
