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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
Summary
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.