Salmonella pericarditis and empyema: A case report

A 54-year-old female diabetic patient who had been under regular oral hypoglycemic agent control for 2 years was admitted because of having dyspnea and orthopnea for several days. Massive pericardial effusion and a moderate amount of bilateral pleural effusion were noted at the time of admission. Pericardiocentesis and thoracocentesis were performed: both cultures grew Salmonella typhimurium. Antibiotic therapy was started immediately, but pleural effusion persisted. After repeated thoracocentesis and pleural effusion drainage, the patient was discharged 51 days later with complete recovery. Pericarditis and empyema are rare complications of Salmonella infections. Coexistence is even more rare, and only three cases have been reported in the English literature. Therefore, this case is presented with a review of the previous literature followed by discussion.