Pneumococcal Pyopericardium Masquerading as Acute Coronary Syndrome

A 54-year-old man was admitted with a one-week history of chest pain, increasing in severity and worsening dyspnoea. An ECG revealed changes consistent with an acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and a chest X-ray showed an enlarged cardiac shadow. Following admission to the coronary care unit for treatment of presumed ACS his condition deteriorated. A diagnosis of sepsis was made. A CT scan revealed a large pericardial and bilateral pleural effusions. Heart sounds were muffled and neck veins distended, suggesting pericardial tamponade. Echocardiography showed a global pericardial effusion ranging from 2–4 cm with haemodynamic compromise. Sub-xiphisternal pericardiocentesis revealed frank pus from the pericardial cavity and a total of 1,000 mL drained over 48 hours. Rapid haemodynamic improvement ensued. Streptococcus pneumoniae was isolated and the patient was successfully treated with intravenous antibiotics with no requirement for pericardial surgery. In the developed world acute purulent pericarditis is a rare entity with a high mortality rate. Only 10–20% of cases are diagnosed ante-mortem. The condition requires prompt recognition and immediate intervention. The diagnostic picture in this case was initially clouded by the suspicion of ischaemic coronary disease as well as the presence of sepsis. The presentation, management and risk factors associated with this unusual condition are discussed.