title: Sentinel case of group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus causing constrictive pericarditis presenting as hypogammaglobulinemia.
abstract: This is a unique case of a previously healthy 7-year-old boy, which highlights the importance of considering immunodeficiency when a rare infection occurs. In the following case report, the patient develops constrictive pericarditis secondary to group A beta-hemolytic streptococcal infection. As a result of this infection, we speculate that he develops hypogammaglobulinemia secondary to the documented association between constrictive pericarditis and intestinal lymphangiectasia because an extensive work-up for a primary immunodeficiency was negative. This is the first case ever to present constrictive pericarditis because of group A beta-hemolytic streptococcal infection.
authors.affiliation: Wright-Patterson Medical Center, 4881 Sugar Maple Drive, WPAFB, OH 45433, USA.
authors.forename: Homayoun R
authors.initials: HR
authors.lastname: Ahmadian
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Tankersley
authors.forename: Hans
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Otto
mesh_terms: D000361:Agammaglobulinemia / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy; D002648:Child; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004797:Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; D006801:Humans; D016756:Immunoglobulins, Intravenous / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008297:Male; D010494:Pericarditis, Constrictive / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000382:microbiology*; D013290:Streptococcal Infections / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000382:microbiology*; D013297:Streptococcus pyogenes / Q000302:isolation & purification*
chemical_list: D016756:Immunoglobulins, Intravenous