Abstract

Pericardectomy for constrictive pericarditis due to melioidosis

Author(s): Elsharabassy M, Gummert J, Zange S, Tiefenbacher CP

Here we report an interesting case of a patient with pericardial effusion due to melioidosis-to our knowledge the first case so far described in Germany. Despite of adequate antibiotic treatment, the patient deteriorated continuously and finally developed constrictive pericarditis so that pericardectomy had to be performed twice. In the end, the patient could be discharged in stable clinical condition. In the following, background and current knowledge of the infectious disease as well as available literature are discussed.