Purulent Pericarditis Caused by Bacteroides fragilis: A Rare Complication of Cholangitis

Abstract

Bacterial infection is a rare cause of pericarditis especially in the post-antibiotic era. When compared to viral or idiopathic etiologies, purulent pericarditis carries a higher risk for complications. While most cases are due to Staphylococcus aureus, we present a rare case of pericarditis due to Bacteroides fragilis originating from a liver abscess and leading to pericardial effusion. Our case highlights the need to maintain a high clinical suspicion of bacterial infection when patients present with sepsis and have evidence of pericarditis.




Cardiol Res. 2019;10(5):309-311
doi: https://doi.org/10.14740/cr904