[Neonatal purulent pericarditis. Value of echocardiography and surgical drainage]

Five neonates are described who developed purulent pericarditis during a septicaemia which suggest that this is not a rare complication. The diagnosis is difficult as classical clinical, ECG and radiological signs are usually absent. Rapid enlargement of the cardiac silhouette or just cardiomegaly in the presence of a severe infection are the usual modes of presentation. Echocardiography is the easiest and safest way to confirm the pericardial effusion. Surgical drainage is essential.