C Kennedy1, S McEvoy. 1. Department of Medicine, Mid-Western Regional Hospital, Limerick, Ireland. kennedyclaire@gmail.com
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Bacterial pericarditis has become a clinical rarity since the onset of antimicrobial therapy, yet remains fatal in a large majority of cases. AIM: We present the case of a 57-year-old male, admitted with a short history of pleuritic chest pain and dyspnoea. Investigations led to diagnosis of pyopericardium, most likely secondary to fistulating thoracic malignancy. Despite maximum medical treatment this condition proved fatal. CONCLUSION: This case highlights the still unfortunately poor prognosis of purulent pericarditis in the antibiotic era. Underlying aetiological factors should be searched for and eliminated where possible when a diagnosis of purulent pericarditis is made.
BACKGROUND: Bacterial pericarditis has become a clinical rarity since the onset of antimicrobial therapy, yet remains fatal in a large majority of cases. AIM: We present the case of a 57-year-old male, admitted with a short history of pleuritic chest pain and dyspnoea. Investigations led to diagnosis of pyopericardium, most likely secondary to fistulating thoracic malignancy. Despite maximum medical treatment this condition proved fatal. CONCLUSION: This case highlights the still unfortunately poor prognosis of purulent pericarditis in the antibiotic era. Underlying aetiological factors should be searched for and eliminated where possible when a diagnosis of purulent pericarditis is made.