Empyema of the pericardium, also known as purulent pericarditis, is a medical condition characterized by the accumulation of pus or infected fluid within the pericardial space. The pericardium is a double-walled sac surrounding the heart which normally contains a small amount of fluid to facilitate smooth movement of the heart during contractions. However, in empyema of the pericardium, this fluid becomes infected, leading to an inflammatory response and the formation of pus.
Empyema of the pericardium is often caused by the spread of infection from nearby structures such as the lungs, mediastinum, or by direct contamination through trauma or surgeries. Common pathogens involved are typically bacteria, including Streptococcus pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, or Haemophilus influenzae.
The condition can present with various clinical manifestations, such as chest pain, fever, rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, and sometimes signs of sepsis. Diagnosis of empyema of the pericardium is confirmed through a combination of physical examination, medical history, blood tests, chest X-ray, echocardiography, and sometimes imaging-guided aspiration of the pericardial fluid for microbiological analysis.
Prompt treatment is essential to prevent potential life-threatening complications such as cardiac tamponade, which occurs when the pus compresses the heart, leading to impaired cardiac function. Treatment typically involves the administration of intravenous antibiotics to control the infection, and, in severe cases, drainage of the pus through pericardiocentesis or surgical intervention.
In conclusion, empyema of the pericardium refers to the accumulation of infected fluid or pus within the pericardial sac, often caused by nearby infection
