TY - JOUR T1 - Meningococcal pericarditis caused by the MenW:cc11 strain in an older adult. JF - Acta Clin Belg Y1 - 2022 A1 - Gaëlle Moerman A1 - D Verleyen A1 - Ph Rogiers A1 - J Hoste A1 - Wesley Mattheus A1 - K Floré AB -

INTRODUCTION: Invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) caused by is a disease with a high mortality and morbidity rate. Serogroup W meningococci (MenW) used to be associated with sporadic disease worldwide. In recent years, a surge in MenW incidence is being observed.

REPORT: An older adult presenting with acute onset shortness of breath, chest pain and fever, was diagnosed with pericarditis with meningococcemia due to MenW:ST11 strain. MenW infections are reported to have a higher case fatality rate and atypical clinical presentations: MenW has been identified in patients presenting with pneumonia, gastro-intestinal symptoms, arthritis, and pericarditis.

DISCUSSION: In Belgium, the National Reference Laboratory is also noticing an increase in serogroup Wmeningococcal disease. Recent epidemiological data for Belgium is reported in the article. MenW infections are reported to have a higher case fatality rate and atypical clinical presentations: MenW has been identified in patients presenting with pneumonia, gastro-intestinal symptoms, arthritis, and pericarditis.

CONCLUSION: When factors for poor prognosis are present in patients with pericarditi clinicians should be vigilant and search for the underlying aetiology .

M3 - 10.1080/17843286.2022.2107315 ER -