A Rare Case of Pericardial Actinomycosis.
- Author:
Ho Yeon JUNG
1
;
Hyo Youl KIM
;
Young Keun KIM
;
Woo Taek KIM
;
Se Yong SUNG
;
Ji Ho LEE
;
Hyang Sun LEE
;
Hye Won HWANG
;
Mee Yon CHO
;
Il Hwan PARK
Author Information
- Publication Type:Case Report
- Keywords: Actinomycosis; Pericarditis; Constrictive; Heart failure; Congestive
- MeSH: Actinomyces; Actinomycosis; Adult; Bacteria; Chest Pain; Fever; Follow-Up Studies; Heart Failure; Humans; Pericardial Effusion; Pericarditis; Pericardium; Pleural Effusion; Recurrence; Steroids; Thorax
- From:Infection and Chemotherapy 2012;44(1):31-34
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
- Abstract: Actinomycosis is a common chronic suppurative and granulomatous infection caused by anaerobic or microphilic bacteria primarily from the genus Actinomyces. However, Actinomyces is a rare cause of pericarditis. We experienced a rare case of pericardial actinomycosis. A previously healthy 44-year-old man presented with 3 days of fever, chest pain, and clinical signs of congestive heart failure. Chest computed tomography showed pericardial effusion, pericardial thickening, and bilateral pleural effusion. A subxiphoidpericardiotomy was performed, and a histological specimen was taken from the pericardium. A histological section of the pericardium showed an actinomycotic granule (sulfur granule). His symptoms and signs improved after administration of piperacillin/tazobactam and steroids. He was uneventfully discharged on oral amoxicillin/clavulanate. He recovered fully with no recurrence after six months of follow-up.
