A rare case of pyogenic pericarditis secondary to Streptococcus constellatus. (28th March 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ghazala, Sehem; Golden, Todd Rabkin; Farran, Sumaya; Zangeneh, Tirdad T
• Is Part Of: BMJ case reports. Volume 2018
• Publication Date: 2018-03-28
• Subjects: pericardial disease -- infectious diseases; Medicine -- Case studies -- Periodicals; 610.5
• DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2017-223804
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1757-790X

Abstract

Abstract : We report an extremely rare case of purulent pericarditis caused by the normally commensal oral flora, Streptococcus constellatus, a viridans Streptococcal species and member of the S. anginosus group (previously also known by the eponymous ' S. milleri', for American Willoughby Dayton Miller). This case is a previously healthy 71-year-old immunocompetent woman from Arizona who presented with a 5-day history of progressive shortness of breath and chest tightness, and subjective fever and chills, but without history of nausea, vomiting, night sweats, recent travel, autoimmune disease or sick contacts. Early recognition and intervention of purulent pericarditis allow patients like the one outlined in this case to achieve full recovery.