Abstract

A CASE ON PERICARDIAL EFFUSION SECONADARY TO TUBERCULOSIS

Dr. R. Ganesan*, Jaisy Jose and Jeslin Joy

Abstract

Background: Tuberculosis (TB) is responsible for approximately 70% of cases of large pericardial effusion and most cases of constrictive pericarditis in developing countries. TB is a dangerous disease with a mortality of 17% to 40%. Case Prsentation: We report a case of 22 years old male of pericardial effusion with high grade fever, breathlessness on exertion, orthopnea, non-productive cough, decreased appetite and weight loss. Emergency pericardiocentesis in view of severe pericardial effusion was done and 1400 ml pericardial fluid was drained. Patient was initiated on Antitubercular Treatment (ATT) along with corticosteroids, in view of elevated Adenosine Deaminase (ADA) levels in exudative pericardial fluid. Conclusion: TB pericarditis is a type of extra-pulmonary TB. Prompt diagnosis and effective management can be helpful in reducing the progression of the pleural effusion to the cardiac tamponade.

Keywords: Tuberculosis, pericardiocentesis, pericardial effusion.