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Unexpected Development of Pericardial Effusion in a Patient With Influenza and Secondary Bacterial Infection

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Influenza poses a significant burden on healthcare systems worldwide, particularly when complicated by bacterial coinfections. Such cases often require intensive medical management. We present the case of a previously healthy young man whose influenza infection was complicated by bacterial coinfection, necessitating complex therapeutic intervention. During treatment with intrapleural fibrinolytic therapy, the patient was found to have developed a large pericardial effusion. While a causal relationship cannot be definitively established, this temporal association raises concern for a potential, previously unreported complication. We present this case to raise clinical awareness of this life-threatening possibility and encourage its consideration in the differential diagnosis when managing similar patients.

Source: Cureus

DOI: 10.7759/cureus.84757

Authors: Pooriya Bahadoran, Daniel Echeverria, Hansani Angammana, Redi Nikollari, Lisa N Glass

Institution: St. Barnabas Hospital

Language: English

Topic: Pericarditis and Cardiac Tamponade

Subfield: Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: diamond

OpenAlex ID: W4410711736