[Intrapericardial fibrinolysis as a therapeutic option in a case of purulent pericarditis].
METHODS
A 23-year-old man known to have Hodgkin's disease in remission and C-protein deficiency presented with chest pain and symptoms of respiratory infection.


METHODS
A purulent pericardial effusion was detected by echocardiography. The chest X-ray showed a left-sided pneumonia.


METHODS
When pericardiocentesis failed to drain the purulent but pathogen-free effusion completely, streptokinase was several times instilled intrapericardially and achieved fibrinolysis without complication. The effusion did not recur.


CONCLUSIONS
Intrapericardial application of fibrinolytic agents seems to be an effective treatment of a purulent pericarditis.
Medizinische Klinik, Klinikum am Steinenberg, Reutlingen. cdz932001@aol.com
C
C
Zimmermann
B
B
Braun
M H
MH
Hust
D000328:Adult; D005342:Fibrinolysis; D005343:Fibrinolytic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D036502:Infusions, Intralesional; D008297:Male; D010490:Pericardial Effusion / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000628:therapy; D020519:Pericardiocentesis; D010493:Pericarditis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000628:therapy; D011014:Pneumonia / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000188:drug therapy; D013902:Radiography, Thoracic; D013300:Streptokinase / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D014463:Ultrasonography
D005343:Fibrinolytic Agents; D013300:Streptokinase