Key result
Pericardiocentesis, antibiotics, and surgery resolve rare MSSA constrictive pericarditis and bacteremia.
Why the study?
Staphylococcus aureus pericarditis is a rare, life-threatening condition that rarely leads to constrictive pathophysiology, with methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus as an uncommon cause.
Case Report (n=1)
No
This case highlights an atypical presentation of constrictive pericarditis caused by community-acquired MSSA and emphasizes the importance of source control in managing persistent bacteremia.
MSSA pericarditis may progress to constriction; case report leaves open incidence and management questions.
Staphylococcus aureus pericarditis is a rare but life-threatening condition that often presents as purulent pericarditis and in rare cases can lead to constrictive pathophysiology. Methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) as a cause of constrictive pericarditis is uncommon. A 65-year-old male with diabetes presented with chest pain and was diagnosed with pericarditis. Blood cultures confirmed MSSA bacteremia, and imaging revealed loculated pericardial effusion with features consistent with constrictive pericarditis. Pericardiocentesis revealed MSSA-positive serous fluid, and the patient underwent prolonged antimicrobial therapy. Despite initial clinical improvement, he developed recurrent MSSA bacteremia with vertebral osteomyelitis and an epidural abscess. He underwent surgical spinal debridement and stabilization, followed by extended intravenous antibiotic therapy. The patient’s symptoms ultimately resolved, and follow-up imaging showed significant improvement. This is an atypical presentation of constrictive pericarditis from community-acquired MSSA and this case demonstrates the diagnostic complexity of MSSA bacteremia and the importance of source control.
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Betar et al. (2025) conducted a case report in Constrictive Pericarditis from Methicillin-Sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (n=1). Pericardiocentesis, prolonged antibiotics, and surgical debridement was evaluated on Symptom resolution and infection clearance. A rare case of constrictive pericarditis and persistent bacteremia from community-acquired methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus was successfully managed with pericardiocentesis, prolonged antibiotics, and surgical debridement.
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