Purulent Pericarditis Due to Pneumococcal Bacteremia Caused by Acupuncture: An Autopsy Case Report

Abstract

Purulent pericarditis is an infection of the pericardial cavity that produces purulent fluid and is commonly caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae. We herein report an autopsy case that is unique in two respects: the patient had pneumococcal bacteremia from a skin and soft tissue infection associated with acupuncture as well as purulent pericarditis from pneumococcal bacteremia. This case suggests that bloodstream infection should be included in the differential diagnosis on observing pneumococcal pericarditis. Furthermore, it is necessary to recognize that S. pneumoniae may be the organism responsible for skin and soft tissue infections caused by trauma in immunosuppressed patients.