Purulent pericarditis is a rare occurrence in the era of modern antibiotics. It is most often caused by organisms such as Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Viridans streptococci, Haemophilus influenzae and anaerobic bacteria with Streptococcus pyogenes (S.pyogenes) being a possible, though very uncommon etiology. This case represents an occurrence of S. pyogenes pericarditis in an apparently healthy female with no known immunocompromising condition. A 37-year-old female, married, real estate agent with no comorbidities came in for chest pain radiating to the upper back, relieved with leaning forward. Cardiac biomarker was normal, ECG demonstrated diffuse ST-segment elevation and PR segment depression, while imaging showed lobar pneumonia. Blood tests showed leukocytosis with neutrophilic predominance and workup for immunocompromised state was negative. The 2D echo showed large pericardial effusion with tamponade physiology. An urgent pericardiocentesis was done. Cultures grew Streptococcus pyogenes confirming the diagnosis of acute purulent pericarditis. Daily drainage of pericardial effusion, colchicine, ibuprofen was initiated together with antibiotics and the patient had resolution of pericardial effusion. Acute pyogenic pericarditis with cardiac tamponade is a rare but serious condition that requires prompt recognition and intervention. Early diagnosis, through a combination of clinical suspicion, ECG and echocardiography is crucial for initiating timely treatment.

Human ; Female ; Adult: 25-44 Yrs Old ; Viridans Streptococci ; Streptococcus Pyogenes ; Streptococcus Pneumoniae ; Staphylococcus Aureus ; Streptococcal Infections ; Electrocardiography ; Echocardiography ; Early Diagnosis

PURPOSE: Lower urinary tract symptoms are numerous, but the specific impact of each of these symptoms on the quality of life (QoL) has not been evaluated in community-dwelling men. An assessment of these symptoms and their effects on QoL was the focus of this study. METHODS: We performed a cross-sectional study with 373 men aged >50 years from a community setting. Patients completed the International Prostate Symptom Score questionnaire, which includes questions on each of the specific urinary symptoms and a question addressing health-related QoL that are graded from 0 to 5. We used the Pearson correlation test to assess the impact of each symptom on QoL. RESULTS: Nocturia (58.9%) was the most prevalent urinary symptom. The mean score was 0.9+/-1.4 for incomplete emptying, 1.0+/-1.5 for frequency, 0.9+/-1.3 for intermittency, 0.8+/-1.3 for urgency, 1.0+/-1.5 for weak stream, 0.5+/-1.0 for straining, and 2.0+/-1.6 for nocturia. Nocturia and frequency were the only symptoms associated with poorer QoL, with nocturia showing a stronger association. CONCLUSIONS: Nocturia affects 50% of community dwelling men aged >50 years, and is the lower urinary tract symptom with the greatest negative impact on QoL.
Cross-Sectional Studies ; Epidemiology ; Humans ; Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms ; Male ; Nocturia* ; Prostate ; Prostatic Hyperplasia ; Quality of Life* ; Rivers ; Urinary Tract*