Streptococcus intermedius: An Unusual Case of Purulent Pericarditis

Abstract EN

Purulent pericarditis is a rare diagnosis with life-threatening implications due to the rapid accumulation of pericardial material, swiftly progressing to tamponade physiology.

The nature of its quickly evolving and severe implications demands a low threshold for diagnostic consideration where appropriate.

We present an unusual case of purulent pericarditis secondary to Streptococcus intermedius in a previously healthy male adolescent without traditional risk factors, which raises the question of whether emergent S.

intermedius species may have acquired novel molecular mechanisms.