Purulent pneumococcal pericarditis: a rarity in the antibiotic era.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this report is to show that even while properly treated, pneumococcal disease may proceed to a life-threatening condition including purulent pericarditis and multiple organ failure.


METHODS
This is a case-report describing one patient treated in the intensive care unit (ICU) of Helsinki University Central Hospital in March 2001.


CONCLUSIONS
In the antibiotic era, purulent pericarditis is an extremely rare yet possible condition complicating pneumococcal disease. Because of the growing incidence of penicillin resistance of this community-acquired pathogen, purulent pericarditis may become more common. Early detection and treatment of this otherwise fatal condition may lead to a good outcome.
Hästbacka
Johanna
J
Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Helsinki University Central Hospital, Helsinki, Finland. Hastabacka@hus.fi
Kolho
Elina
E
Pettilä
Ville
V
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001921:Brain / Q000473:pathology; D005387:Finland; D006801:Humans; D007362:Intensive Care Units; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010493:Pericarditis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology; D011008:Pneumococcal Infections / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000188:drug therapy; D013492:Suppuration; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014463:Ultrasonography
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents