A Case of Brucellosis with a Rare Complication: Pericarditis

Eur J Case Rep Intern Med. 2017 Jan 27;4(1):000471. doi: 10.12890/2016_000471. eCollection 2017.

Abstract

Objectives: To describe brucellosis and its possible complications according to clinical, laboratory and radiological findings.

Methods: We describe a case of Brucella pericarditis visualized at transthoracic echocardiography with clinical manifestations.

Results: Clinical manifestations, imaging and laboratory findings provided the correct diagnosis of Brucella pericarditis. The patient recovered fully following doxycycline and rifampin therapy.

Conclusion: Brucellosis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of disorders that affect the pericardium in endemic areas.

Learning points: Brucella pericarditis should be considered in case of disorders that affect the pericardium in endemic areas such as the Mediterranean region.When a patient has been diagnosed with brucellosis, oral doxycycline 100 mg twice daily plus oral rifampin 600 mg once daily must be given immediately.

Keywords: Brucellosis; infectious disease; pericarditis.