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Polymicrobial bacterial pericarditis with mediastinitis after endotracheal intubation
1Department of Internal Medicine, Lotung Poh-Ai Hospital, I-Lan, Taiwan, Republic of China.
Diagnostic Microbiology and Infectious Disease
|November 1, 1995
Summary
Traumatic endotracheal intubation can lead to rare polymicrobial bacterial pericarditis and mediastinitis. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are crucial for managing this severe complication.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Cardiology
- Pulmonology
Background:
- Polymicrobial bacterial pericarditis and mediastinitis are rare complications.
- Traumatic endotracheal intubation can lead to serious infections.
Observation:
- A 54-year-old man with nasopharyngeal carcinoma developed pericardial effusion and tamponade post-intubation.
- Pericardiocentesis revealed purulent fluid with mixed aerobic and anaerobic bacteria.
- Bronchoscopy identified a tracheal laceration.
Findings:
- The patient was diagnosed with polymicrobial bacterial pericarditis and mediastinitis.
- Treatment involved aggressive antibiotics and pericardial drainage.
- The initial infection improved, but the patient succumbed to a subsequent nosocomial infection.
Implications:
- This case highlights the potential for severe infectious complications following traumatic intubation.
- Early recognition and intervention are critical for patient outcomes.
- Upper airway flora can cause serious infections in the pericardial and mediastinal spaces.