A case of purulent pericarditis and bilateral empyema caused by H. influenzae, type B, in a 6-year-old girl is presented. She was successfully treated with repeated pericardiocentesis and aspiration of the pleurae, and systemic and local administration of antibiotics, in combination with streptokinase-streptodornase. The prognosis with regard to possible sequelae in the form of constrictive pericarditis is discussed.