A case of effusive constrictive pericarditis caused by streptococcus milleri.

Abstract

A 55-year-old male presented with hypotension and marked elevation of jugular venous pressure suggesting impaired ventricular filling. Echocardiography demonstrated a moderate amount of pericardial effusion and dense and shaggy fibrinous strands attached to the pericardia. Pericardiocentesis was performed under the diagnosis of cardiac tamponade, but normal ventricular filling could not be restored even after pericardiocentesis. Hemodynamic evaluation after pericardiocentesis revealed persisting low cardiac output, elevation and equilibration of right atrial, right ventricular end-diastolic and pulmonary capillary wedge pressures, and deep y descent. Later, surgical removal of the thickened pericardium was required. This case appeared to be typical effusive-constrictive pericarditis. Regarding etiology, a rare organism, Streptococcus milleri, proved to be responsible, while the case history and clinical situation were suggestive of a tuberculous or tumorous origin.