Constrictive pericarditis due to Mycobacterium tuberculosis

Abstract

Tuberculosis is an infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which is widely disseminated in developing countries. It can affect any organ or system, leading to high morbidity and mortality if untreated.

A 22-year-old incarcerated patient presented to the emergency room complaining of epigastric pain, moderate dyspnea on exertion which progressed rapidly to resting dyspnea, and ankle edema. A chest x-ray showed massive right pleural effusion, with an enlarged cardiac silhouette due to severe pericardial effusion, confirmed by echocardiography.

Pericardiocentesis revealed hemorrhagic fluid, with Mycobacterium tuberculosis documented through molecular tests and culture media. Despite starting antitubercular treatment and oral steroids, the patient developed constrictive pericarditis that required phrenic pericardiectomy