Unusual Campylobacter jejuni infection causing life- threatening cardiac tamponade

The incidence of Campylobacter jejuni enterocolitis is increasing, with this bacterium being the leading cause of acute bacterial diarrhea. However, cardiac complications associated with C. jejuni remain rare. A 47-year-old man presented with sudden chest pain and shortness of breath. Echocardiography revealed pericardial tamponade and pleural effusion over time. Despite the patient having no prior gastrointestinal complaints, Campylobacter jejuni was identified in pericardial aspirates and stool samples by microbiological analysis. Exclusive pericarditis caused by C. jejuni remains an extremely rare complication. To date, the successful isolation of the pathogen from pericardial fluid has only been reported three times. Despite being immunocompetent, relevant bacteremia appears to be a likely cause of the infection. Isolated pericarditis is a rare but serious complication of Campylobacter jejuni infection. Regarding pathogenesis, direct bacterial invasion is becoming increasingly likely. The emergence of antimicrobial-resistant strains must be considered when selecting a therapeutic regimen.