Purulent pericarditis caused by malignant oesophago-pericardial fistula.

A case of purulent pericarditis with an unusual aetiology and a favourable outcome is reported. This patient presented with purulent pericarditis secondary to an oesophago-pericardial fistula caused by a squamous carcinoma of the oesophagus. A review of the literature revealed only a small number of similar cases. The prognosis can be improved by rapid diagnosis, appropriate antibiotic therapy, surgical drainage and surgical repair of the fistula. An aggressive therapeutic approach should be proposed in order to achieve long-term remission in these frequently young patients.