A CASE OF TUBERCULOUS PERICARDITIS

Abstract

A case of tuberculous pericarditis successfully managed with medical treatment alone was reported.
A 78-year-old male was admitted because of cough, dyspnea and fever. Chest X-P and echocardiogram revealed massive pericardial effusion. His clinical symptoms and signs suggested cardiac tamponade. Mycobacterium tuberculosis was detected from pericardial fluid. ADA activity in pericardial fluid was high.
Thoracic CT scan showed thracheobronchial, pretracheal, paratracheal and superior mediastinal lymphnode swelling. The diagnosis of tuberculous pericarditis was confirmed. Anti-tuberculous therapy consisting of INH, RFP, EB in combination with prednisolone was started. One month later pericardial effusion was controlled and six months later he was in good clinical condition without surgical treatment.