[Epstein-Barr virus-associated pericarditis].
METHODS
A 73 year old woman presented with increasing dyspnoea caused by a large pericardial effusion.


METHODS
Transthoracic echocardiography revealed a diastolically 35 mm broad pericardial effusion. Subxiphoidal drainage controlled by ultrasound delivered 350 ml of a haemorrhagic fluid that was submitted to pathology and microbiology examination. This was completed by serological and immunological tests and a specific extensive search for malignant diseases, i. e. computer tomograms of chest and abdomen, mammography, bronchoscopy, gastroscopy and coloscopy. All examinations were negative. However, nested PCR analysis of blood leucocytes and of pericardial effusion revealed the pericardial presence of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), consistent with a localized pericardial EBV persistence or reactivation.


METHODS
Follow-up showed a complete resolution of the pericardial effusion without the necessity of further specific treatment.


CONCLUSIONS
Although EBV infection is common in the general population, cardiac involvement, in particular in the adult, is infrequent and usually takes an uncomplicated course. The present case report demonstrates a beginning pericardial tamponade due to localized pericardial EBV persistence or reactivation without detectable systemic EBV infection. In addition, the importance of molecular tests for diagnostic accuracy is highlighted.
Lentini
S
S
Medizinische Universitätsklinik und Poliklinik II (Direktor: Prof. Dr. B. Lüderitz), Herzzentrum des Universitätsklinikums Bonn, und.
Klingel
K
K
Skowasch
D
D
Kandolf
R
R
Bauriedel
G
G
D000368:Aged; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004417:Dyspnea; D020031:Epstein-Barr Virus Infections / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis; D005260:Female; D004854:Herpesvirus 4, Human / Q000235:genetics / Q000254:growth & development / Q000302:isolation & purification; D006801:Humans; D010490:Pericardial Effusion / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology* / Q000821:virology; D010493:Pericarditis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology*; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction; D014463:Ultrasonography; D014775:Virus Activation