Purulent pericarditis caused by Haemophilus influenzae type B.

Purulent pericarditis, once a common entity associated with intrathoracic infections, such as pneumonia and empyema, has become an infrequent illness in the post-antibiotic era. Prompt recognition and therapy are vital in improving disease-related mortality. Herein, we describe a rare case of Haemophilus influenzae type B purulent pericarditis and associated cardiac tamponade. Antibiotic therapy, pericardial drainage, and subsequent pericardiectomy were performed with resolution of illness.