Abstract
Acute pericarditis is an unusual presentation of bacterial endocarditis [1]. It is most commonly associated with staphylococcal aureus infection and more likely to occur in young males in association with the risk factors of alcohol or substance abuse or diabetes. Tamponade is a common presenting feature and the aortic valve is the most commonly involved valve. This condition carries a very high mortality whether treated with antibiotics alone or in combination with surgery.
Highlights
We report on an 82-year-old lady admitted with a history of dull central pain of 48 hours duration who was febrile and tachycardic
It is most commonly associated with staphylococcal aureus infection and more likely to occur in young males in association with the risk factors of alcohol or substance abuse or diabetes
Her past medical history included asthma, previous transient ischemic attack, non ST segment elevation infarction with subsequent stenting of the LAD and a left total knee replacement, 9 months earlier, which was complicated by recurrent superficial wound cellulitis, treated by repeated courses of prolonged oral antibiotics
Summary
We report on an 82-year-old lady admitted with a history of dull central pain of 48 hours duration who was febrile and tachycardic. Her past medical history included asthma, previous transient ischemic attack, non ST segment elevation infarction with subsequent stenting of the LAD and a left total knee replacement, 9 months earlier, which was complicated by recurrent superficial wound cellulitis, treated by repeated courses of prolonged oral antibiotics. Pericardial aspiration obtained 300 mls of blood stained fluid which re-. Vealed gram positive cocci on staining and which grew staphylococcus aureus sensitive to Methicillin. Antimicrobial therapy was commenced in the form of Flucloxacillin 2 grams IV six hourly and Linezolid 600 mgs IV 12 hourly
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