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Mycoplasma-associated pericarditis
R S Farraj1, R B McCully, J K Oh
1Department of Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic Rochester, Minnesota 55905, USA.
Abstract:
Mycoplasma pneumoniae-associated pericarditis may result in pronounced morbidity unless appropriate therapy is administered. In this report, we describe a patient who had recurrent episodes of chest pain, intermittent constitutional symptoms, and, eventually, cardiac tamponade due to pericarditis despite treatment with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Immunofluorescence antibody titers were consistent with recent M. pneumoniae infection, and antibiotic therapy resulted in rapid and complete resolution of the patient's symptoms. This treatable entity may be underrecognized and can now be diagnosed with sensitive serologic testing.
Insights
Mycoplasma pneumoniae can cause pericarditis, leading to severe illness. Prompt antibiotic treatment, guided by serologic testing, effectively resolves symptoms and prevents complications like cardiac tamponade.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Pulmonology
Background:
- Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a common respiratory pathogen.
- Pericarditis is inflammation of the pericardium, potentially leading to serious cardiac complications.
- M. pneumoniae infection can rarely present with extrapulmonary manifestations such as pericarditis.
Observation:
- A patient presented with recurrent chest pain, constitutional symptoms, and cardiac tamponade despite non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug treatment.
- Diagnostic workup revealed serologic evidence consistent with recent Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection.
- The patient's symptoms resolved rapidly and completely following antibiotic therapy.
Findings:
- Mycoplasma pneumoniae-associated pericarditis can cause significant morbidity, including cardiac tamponade.
- Standard anti-inflammatory treatment may be insufficient for M. pneumoniae-induced pericarditis.
- Sensitive serologic testing enables diagnosis of M. pneumoniae infection.
Implications:
- M. pneumoniae-associated pericarditis may be an underrecognized cause of cardiac tamponade.
- Early diagnosis and appropriate antibiotic therapy are crucial for favorable outcomes.
- Increased awareness and utilization of serologic testing can improve patient management.