Subacute constrictive pericarditis from Serratia marcescens bacteremia

Area of Science:

• Nephrology
• Infectious Diseases
• Cardiology

Background:

• A case of subacute constrictive pericarditis is presented.
• The patient had chronic tubulointerstitial nephritis and uremia.
• Renal pathology suggested ethylene glycol-induced nephritis, though not clinically confirmed.

Observation:

• Disseminated Serratia marcescens infection and bacteremia were identified.
• The patient had undergone invasive procedures including tracheal intubation and peritoneal dialysis.
• No history of heroin addiction was reported.

Findings:

• Serratia marcescens infection led to disseminated bacteremia.
• Subacute constrictive pericarditis developed in the context of uremia.
• Predisposing factors for Serratia infection included uremia and invasive procedures.

Implications:

• This case underscores the risk of Serratia infections in immunocompromised patients with uremia.
• Uremia, pericardiocentesis, and pericardiotomy may play roles in constrictive pericarditis pathogenesis.
• Awareness of these associations is crucial for clinical management and prevention strategies.