ACUTE PURULENT PERICARDITIS IN CHILDREN CAUSED BY HAEMOPHILUS-INFLUENZAE

Acute purulent pericarditis caused by Haemophilus influenzae is an unusual condition, especially in childhood. In most cases, respiratory symptoms are the presenting features, and children aged less than 4 years are most often affected A high index of suspicion and aggressive microbiological and cardiological evaluation are often warranted to make an early diagnosis. We herein report two cases of pericarditis caused by H. influenzae in children aged less than two years. Pericardiocentesis was performed in each case. Early recognition, rapid diagnosis and aggressive medical and surgical therapy are paramount in the successful treatment of this condition.