Histoplasma associated pericarditis with pericardial tamponade in a child

BMJ Case Rep. 2023 Nov 23;16(11):e256265. doi: 10.1136/bcr-2023-256265.

Abstract

Histoplasma-mediated pericarditis is rare, and it occurs due to host-mediated inflammatory or immune response to adjacent mediastinal adenitis or pneumonitis. It is usually self-limited and rarely progresses to a disseminated infection in an immunocompetent individual. In rare instances, it can occur without pulmonary manifestations, making the diagnosis challenging given the broad list of differentials that can be considered as in our patient who initially presented with an isolated pericardial effusion with tamponade needing emergent pericardiocentesis.

Keywords: Infectious diseases; Paediatric intensive care; Pericardial disease.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Cardiac Tamponade* / complications
  • Cardiac Tamponade* / etiology
  • Child
  • Histoplasma
  • Humans
  • Pericardial Effusion* / complications
  • Pericardial Effusion* / etiology
  • Pericardiocentesis
  • Pericarditis* / complications
  • Pericarditis* / diagnosis