Abstract

SUMMARYPolymicrobic bacterial infection of the pericardium was detetected in a 59-year-old patent ultimately proven to have esophageal carcinoma. Such infections are be coming more frequent, often combine gram-negative bacilli and anerobes, and may be deceptively mild clinically. Origin from an occult head and neck or gas-trointestinal focus rater than from pulmonary (pneumococcal) or distant (staphylococcal)sources distinguishes these infection. Newer diagnostic techniques (computerized tomography and echocardiography)coupled with surgical drainage and appropriate antibiotic therapy may improve the current 67%mortality.