Massive Pericardial Effusion due to Mycoplasma hominis in a Newborn

Massive pericardial effusion in the neonatal period is uncommon. When present, intrapericardial teratoma and viral pericarditis are the most common causes. 1 The following report describes a newborn infant with cardiac tamponade and massive pericardial effusion caused by Mycoplasma hominis . She was successfully treated with pericardiocentesis, antibiotics, and creation of a pleuropericardial window. Report of a Case .—A female infant was born to a 24-year-old primigravida who was well throughout most of her pregnancy except for a flu-like illness two weeks before delivery, characterized by fever, malaise, myalgia, and cough. Cesarean section was performed at 37 weeks' gestation because of developing preeclampsia and premature rupture of fetal membranes. Birth weight was 3,680 g. Initial Apgar scores were 4 at one minute and 4 at five minutes. Because of cyanosis and severe respiratory distress, an endotracheal tube was inserted and the infant was immediately transferred to the North Central Illinois Regional