Bacterial endocarditis in an infant presenting as acute cardiac tamponade

An unusual case of an infant with bacterial endocarditis, caused by alpha hemolytic streptococcus involving a congenital pulmonary stenosis is presented. The initial clinical feature of cardiac tamponade due to rupture of a mycotic aneurysm of the sinus arteriae pulmonalis is unique. The rarity of bacterial endocarditis in infancy is noted, and the necessity of being alert to its possible occurrence is stressed.