Pericardial Conundrum: Unmasking Tuberculosis as the Culprit.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Tuberculosis, caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, primarily affects the lungs but can involve other organs, termed extrapulmonary tuberculosis. Tuberculous pericarditis (TBP) is a rare form, representing approximately 1% of tuberculosis-related autopsies and 4% of acute pericarditis cases in developed countries.

Case summary

A 29-year-old healthy Indian man presented with fever, night sweats, and weight loss. Imaging revealed a large pericardial effusion with tamponade physiology. He underwent pericardiocentesis and a surgical pericardial window, with biopsy confirming M. tuberculosis. He was treated with rifampin, isoniazid, pyrazinamide, and ethambutol therapy, colchicine, and a steroid taper, resulting in clinical improvement.

Discussion

TBP is rare in

SUBMITTER: McClellan B 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12441488 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature