TB PERICARDITIS- A CASE REPORT

Tuberculous pericarditis is a complication of TB with pericardial fluid with elevated interferon –gamma > 50 pg/ml being highly specific for tuberculous pericarditis.

For Tuberculous pericarditis definite diagnosis is based on the presence of tubercle bacilli in pericardial fluid or on a histological section of the pericardium. ”probable” tuberculous pericarditis is based on the proof of a lymphocytic pericardial exudates with elevated adenosine deaminase levels, and/or appropriate response to anti tuberculosis chemotherapy. Treatment consists of 4-drug antituberculosis regimen for 6 months. Appropriate treatment for constrictive pericarditis is surgical rresection of the pericardium.