Rapid Development of Methicillin-Resistant \u3ci\u3eStaphylococcus aureus\u3c/i\u3e (MRSA) Purulent Pericarditis in the Setting of Endocarditis

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) purulent pericarditis is a rare but potentially fatal complication of MRSA bacteremia. We describe a case of a 27-year-old patient with active intravenous drug use, who presented with fever, chills, and dyspnea and was found to have tricuspid valve endocarditis. Echocardiogram on admission showed no pericardial effusion. The patient became hypotensive, with worsening dyspnea, in the following 3 days. A computed tomography scan of the chest was repeated and showed a large pericardial effusion. The patient underwent pericardiocentesis and pericardial drain placement. Antibiotics were continued, with resolution of effusion. Early pericardiocentesis of a large purulent pericardial effusion may prevent catastrophic outcomes

Shoshin Beriberi Induced by Long-Term Administration of Diuretics: A Case Report

Previous studies have suggested that diuretic therapy for heart failure may lead to thiamine deficiency due to the increased urinary thiamine excretion. Herein, we present the case of a 61-year-old man with shoshin beriberi, a fulminant form of wet beriberi, induced by long-term diuretic therapy. The patient had a history of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction and was receiving furosemide and trichlormethiazide therapy. He presented with worsening exertional dyspnea and was admitted for heart failure exacerbation. His condition failed to improve even after intensive treatment. A hemodynamic evaluation with the Swan-Ganz catheter revealed high-output heart failure with low peripheral vascular resistance. Thiamine was administered for suspected shoshin beriberi; his hemodynamic status improved dramatically within the next six hours. The serum thiamine level was below the normal range; the patient was therefore diagnosed with shoshin beriberi. The common causes of thiamine deficiency were not identified. Long-term diuretic therapy with furosemide and thiazide was thought to have played a major role in the development of thiamine deficiency. This case illustrates the importance of considering wet beriberi as a possible cause of heart failure exacerbation in patients taking diuretics, even when the common thiamine deficiency causes are not identified with history-taking