Mediastinal mixed germ cell tumor with purulent pericarditis and empyema caused by Escherichia coli: A rare case report

Mixed germ cell tumors are rare tumors that are located mainly in the gonads and occasionally in extra-gonadal locations. Purulent pericarditis is a rare disease in the presence of antibiotic treatment. We present a case about the association of these two rare conditions in a 29-year-old male patient presenting with tamponade with a subsequent diagnosis of mediastinal mixed germ cell tumor and purulent pericarditis with empyema caused by Escherichia coli.

Learning objective: Although pericarditis with Escherichia coli is rare, it is still possible. The first clinical manifestation of some tumors may be pericardial tamponade, and at this point, the focus must be on emergency management of the patient to save a life before reaching the diagnosis.