Bacterial pericarditis and empyema caused by Cutibacterium acnes in a patient with metastatic lung cancer.

Abstract

Bacterial pericarditis and empyema due to Cutibacterium acnes has rarely been reported. C.acnes, a normal component of human skin flora, is often considered a contaminant when isolated from body fluids and thus cases may be underreported. We report the first case of concurrent purulent pericarditis and empyema caused by C. acnes in a patient with newly diagnosed metastatic lung cancer. Our patient underwent pericardial window creation and placement of pericardial and bilateral chest tubes and was successfully treated with culture directed antibiotic therapy.