Introduction.

One of the most common pathologies of the pericardium is pericarditis, which can present as acute, subacute or chronic pericarditis, pericardial effusion, cardiac tamponade or constrictive pericarditis. However, it is a rare condition in the pediatric population.

Methods.

A series of cases of patients with pericarditis who were taken to pericardiotomy, pericardial drainage and anterior partial pericardiectomy, between July 2014 and June 2023 is presented. Demographic and clinical variables were collected, microbiological isolates and the management received were evaluated.

Results.

A total of 12 patients underwent minimally invasive surgical management; of these, 58% belonged to indigenous communities and lived in rural areas. Half had associated pneumonia. In most cases, no microbiological isolation was obtained.

Conclusion.

The need for surgical management is determined by the impact on the hemodynamic variables related to the effusion and pericardial compromise. Partial pericardiectomy by thoracoscopy is an alternative in these cases.

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