Clinical usefulness of ELISPOT assay on pericardial fluid in a case of suspected tuberculous pericarditis

Abstract

Rapid and accurate diagnosis of tuberculous pericarditis is often difficult, considering the low specificity of both clinical picture and laboratory tests on pericardial fluid, as well as the low sensitivity of microbiological tests. This report documents the feasibility and clinical usefulness of an Interferon (IFN) - gamma ELISpot - TB assay on pericardial fluid cells in a case of suspected tuberculous pericarditis presenting with tamponade. As large pericardial effusions requiring pericardiocentesis are relatively frequent in tuberculous pericarditis, the physician may consider this particular application of ELISpot-TB as a rapid decision aid for starting the treatment.