Simultaneous Purulent Pericarditis and Acute Epiglottitis from Haemophilus influenzae in an Immunocompetent Adult: A Case Report

Haemophilus influenzae can cause severe disease, particularly in adults with medical comorbidities. While purulent pericarditis and epiglottitis are known to be rare complications of Haemophilus influenzae, there are no published reports of their simultaneous occurrence. We report a 70-year-old female who presented with a sore throat and dyspnea to the emergency department, was found to have epiglottitis and then rapidly deteriorated, developing shock and acute respiratory failure. A point-of-care ultrasound was performed revealing a pericardial effusion with tamponade. Emergent pericardiocentesis yielded purulent fluid, and subsequent blood cultures grew Haemophilus influenzae. In patients with Haemophilus influenzae infection, pericardial effusion can be a highly morbid complication of upper respiratory disease requiring urgent management.