Primary Meningococcal Pericarditis Due to Neisseria meningitidis: A Case Report

This case report describes primary meningococcal pericarditis (PMP), a rare and potentially life-threatening form of Neisseria meningitidis infection that may mimic idiopathic or viral pericarditis, particularly in the absence of classic signs of meningococcemia or meningitis. PMP accounts for a small proportion of meningococcal pericarditis cases. Early in its course, PMP can present without systemic features or hemodynamic instability, complicating timely recognition. Clinicians should maintain a high index of suspicion when encountering mild leukocytosis with a left shift or bandemia in patients with presumed uncomplicated pericarditis, as this may represent an early indicator of invasive meningococcal disease requiring prompt investigation and treatment.