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A new classification for pericarditis associated with meningococcal infection

Y Finkelstein1, Y Adler, M Nussinovitch

  • 1Department of Paediatrics C, Schneider Children's Medical Centre of Israel, Petah Tiqva.

European Journal of Pediatrics
|August 1, 1997
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

A new classification for meningococcal pericarditis is proposed, distinguishing between disseminated, isolated, and reactive forms. This helps clinicians understand differences in prognosis and treatment for this rare condition.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Cardiology
  • Clinical Medicine

Background:

  • Acute meningococcal pericarditis is a rare condition.
  • Current classifications are confusing, lacking differentiation by time and causality.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To propose a new, pathophysiologically based classification for meningococcal pericarditis.
  • To aid clinicians in recognizing distinct disease states.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review.
  • Analysis of clinical and pathophysiological criteria.

Main Results:

  • Identified three distinct states: disseminated meningococcal disease with pericarditis (purulent, culture-positive, with bacteremia); isolated meningococcal pericarditis (purulent, culture-positive, without systemic signs); and reactive meningococcal pericarditis (immunological, late-onset, culture-negative).

Conclusions:

  • The proposed classification differentiates meningococcal pericarditis into disseminated, isolated, and reactive (immunopathic) forms.
  • Recognizing these states is crucial for appropriate management, considering differences in natural history, treatment, and prognosis.

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