Tuberculous pericarditis-a silent and challenging disease: A case report

Oscar David Lucero Pantoja, Marlon Mauricio Bustos Claro, Darwin Jhoan Ariza-Rodríguez, Juan Camilo Pérez-Correa

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

4 Scopus citations

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Tuberculous pericarditis (TP) remains a challenge for endemic countries. In developing countries, one to two percent of patients with pulmonary tuberculosis develops TP.

CASE SUMMARY
A 49-year-old woman presented with dyspnea, chest pain and dry cough. On physical examination, veiled heart sounds were found. The electrocardiogram showed low-voltage complexes and the transthoracic echocardiography revealed a large and free-looking pericardial effusion. The patient was taken for an open pericardiotomy. The pericardial fluid revealed high levels of adenosine deaminase and Ziehl-Neelsen stain showed acid-fast bacilli. Polymerase chain reaction study for Mycobacterium tuberculosis in pericardial fluid was positive. The patient received tetra conjugate management with adequate clinical response after the first week of treatment and resolution of fever and chest pain.

CONCLUSION
In cases of TP, obtaining pericardial fluid and/or pericardial biopsy is the most efficient strategy to confirm the diagnosis. Early diagnosis of this entity will allow physicians to initiate timely treatment, avoid complications and improve the patient's clinical outcome, so we consider the description of this case pertinent and its review in the literature.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1869-1875
Number of pages7
JournalWorld Journal of Clinical Cases
Volume10
Issue number6
DOIs
StatePublished - 26 Feb 2022

Keywords

  • Tuberculosis
  • Pericardial disease
  • Tuberculous pericarditis
  • Pericardial effusion
  • Mycobacterium tuberculosis

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Tuberculous pericarditis-a silent and challenging disease: A case report'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this