Rare and unexpected cause for isolated massive pericardial effusion in a patient with end-stage renal disease—Brucellosis

Abstract

Brucellosis is one of the most common zoonotic infections with worldwide distribution. The clinical presentation of brucellosis ranges from asymptomatic to severe disease involving haematological, gastrointestinal, neurological and osteoarticular systems. Cardiovascular manifestations are rare in brucellosis cases with endocarditis being the most common presentation. Isolated pericarditis with massive pericardial effusion without endocarditis is extremely rare. Here, we describe a case of brucellosis with sole manifestation of pericarditis with massive pericardial effusion in a patient with end stage renal disease diagnosed based on the isolation ofBrucella melitensisfrom pericardial fluid.