[Neonatal purulent pericarditis. Value of echocardiography and surgical drainage].
Five neonates are described who developed purulent pericarditis during a septicaemia which suggest that this is not a rare complication. The diagnosis is difficult as classical clinical, ECG and radiological signs are usually absent. Rapid enlargement of the cardiac silhouette or just cardiomegaly in the presence of a severe infection are the usual modes of presentation. Echocardiography is the easiest and safest way to confirm the pericardial effusion. Surgical drainage is essential.
D004322:Drainage; D004452:Echocardiography; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007232:Infant, Newborn, Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy*; D008297:Male; D010493:Pericarditis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy; D018805:Sepsis / Q000150:complications* / Q000628:therapy; D013492:Suppuration
Péricardites purulentes néonatales. Intérêt de l'échocardiographie et du drainage chirurgical.