Staphylococcal septicaemia complicated with purulent pericarditis in an infant: A case report

Abstract

Purulent pericarditis is a rare complication of sepsis. It is almost exclusively a complication from an underlying condition rather than a primary infection. Staphylococcus aureus is the commonest aetiologic agent. Its diagnosis requires a high index of suspicion especially in the presence of persistent fever and signs of cardiac tamponade in spite of appropriate antibiotic use. A case of purulent pericarditis in an infant is here presented to illustrate the importance of a high index of suspicion and simple investigations in its diagnosis in resource limited practice. In addition, the importance of prompt treatment with drainage of the abscess and use of appropriate antibiotics to achieve a good prognosis is shown.

Key words: Staphylococcus, Purulent pericarditis