A Rare Case of Pyopericardium After Blunt Thoracic Trauma.

Abstract

The bacterial purulent pericarditis is rapidly progressive and represents a highly fatal infection, with mortality rates reaching up to 100% if untreated. Approximately 40% to 50% of all cases are caused by Gram-positive bacteria, especially Streptococcus pneumoniae. We describe an extremely rare case of S. pneumoniae purulent pericarditis as a delayed complication of a blunt thoracic trauma. The patient was successfully treated with urgent pericardiocentesis, thoracoscopic pericardial fenestration, and broad-spectrum antibiotics. Owing to the high mortality rate of a purulent pericarditis, a high index of suspicion is needed in order to instaurate an appropriate therapy with drainage and antibiotics.