Ultrasonographic demonstration of intrapericardial fibrous layers in tuberculous pericarditis: Report of a case
Journal
Journal of Medical Ultrasound
Journal Volume
6
Journal Issue
4
Pages
186-189
Date Issued
1998
Author(s)
Abstract
Tuberculosis is an uncommon cause of acute pericarditis. Because of its potential for life-threatening cardiac tamponade, tuberculous pericarditis is significant clinically, especially in areas with a high prevalence of tuberculosis. Ultrasonography is a sensitive diagnostic instrument that can be used to detect intrapericardial abnormalities. We report a case of a 42- year-old man who presented with dyspnea caused by a massive pleuropericardial effusion. Tuberculous pleuropericardial effusion was diagnosed by pleural biopsy and subsequent culture of Mycobacterium tuberculosis from the pericardial fluid. Two-dimensional echocardiography showed pericardial thickening with frond-like structures protruding into the pericardial cavity. These frond-like structures disappeared from the ultrasonographic pictures one month after antituberculous therapy was initiated. It is concluded that frond-like structures and pericardial thickening seen on ultrasound may be characteristic in patients with tuberculous pericarditis and indicate early institution of antituberculous therapy.
Subjects
Tuberculous pericarditis; Ultrasonography
SDGs
Other Subjects
adult; article; bacterium culture; case report; dyspnea; echography; human; male; Mycobacterium tuberculosis; pericardial effusion; pericarditis; pleura biopsy; pleura effusion; tuberculosis
Publisher
Elsevier (Singapore) Pte Ltd
Type
journal article