Author/Authors :
Woudstra, Odilia I. Department of Cardiology, Tergooi Ziekenhuis, Blaricum, Netherlands , Boink, Gerard J. J. Department of Cardiology, Tergooi Ziekenhuis, Blaricum, Netherlands , Winkelman, Jacobus A. Heart Center - Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery -Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, Netherlands , van Stralen, Ron Department of Cardiology, Tergooi Ziekenhuis, Blaricum, Netherlands
Abstract :
We describe a case of primary meningococcal C pericarditis with myocardial involvement in a 71-year-old male that is thus
far the oldest patient with isolated meningococcal pericardial disease and only the third patient with primary meningococcal
myopericarditis described in English literature. Our patient was successfully treated by full sternotomy and surgical drainage
combined with intravenous ceftriaxone. Mild symptoms unresponsive to anti-inflammatory treatment and leukocytosis may
guide clinicians towards the correct diagnosis. It is important to recognize this cause of pericarditis as the relatively mild clinical
presentation may rapidly progress into tamponade and right-sided heart failure.