Amoebic pericarditis.

Abstract

An unusual case of chronic amoebic pericarditis is reported in which the diagnosis of pericarditis was suggested on chest X-ray. The echocardiographic feature of multiple cystic lesions were mainly related to the left ventricle, there was thickening of the visceral pericardium, and some restriction to ventricular filling. The cysts contained anchovy sauce like material, and serological tests for amoebiasis were strongly positive. There was no evidence of an amoebic liver abscess. Clinically the patient improved with anti-amoebic treatment, but died later having refused surgery. The clinical picture may have been modified by earlier chloroquine administration.