[A complicated case of purulent pericarditis secondary to pneumonia].
Purulent pericarditis in the antibiotic era has become an uncommon entity. It is typically an acute illness with a high mortality (about 30%) related to cardiac tamponade, a complication that accounts for 42-77% of cases. Few cases of purulent pericarditis associated with tamponade have been published in the literature. In this paper we describe a complicated case of purulent pericarditis secondary to left pneumonia. In particular, we emphasize the importance of early recognition, prompt institution of appropriate antibiotic therapy and early drainage for survival.
Casella
Francesco
F
Dipartimento di Scienze Cliniche, Università degli Studi, Divisione di Medicina II, Ospedale Luigi Sacco, Milano. case.5@libero.it
Pisano
Giuseppina
G
Bossi
Ilaria
I
Cogliati
Chiara
C
Montano
Nicola
N
D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010493:Pericarditis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology*; D011014:Pneumonia / Q000150:complications*; D013492:Suppuration