Pericardial Tuberculosis in a Non-endemic Region Presenting as a Persistent Upper Respiratory Tract Infection With Negative Serology, Bronchial Washings, and Pleural Aspirate

Abstract

This paper reports on the unlikely case of a 68-year-old man presenting with a non-resolving, mild lower respiratory tract infection, subsequently diagnosed with pericardial tuberculosis (TB) in the absence of TB risk factors and with negative TB serology. Pericardial and pleural effusions were found incidentally on CT pulmonary angiogram, with a small pericardial effusion without tamponade seen on the echocardiogram. During his three-month inpatient stay, the patient was rarely very unwell, though no treatment led to clinical and biochemical resolution of symptoms. Later deterioration prompted another echocardiogram, which found a moderate-sized pericardial effusion, septal bounce, and new regional wall motion abnormalities. To avert the impending cardiac tamponade, the patient underwent pericardiectomy, which provided a tissue diagnosis of TB. Pericardial TB is extremely uncommon, especially outside of TB endemic regions, though it is well described. This case is especially noteworthy, as serology, bronchial washings, and pleural aspirate had been negative for TB though a Quantiferon test was positive. The diagnosis was only confirmed after pericardiectomy. The patient was subsequently treated with anti-TB therapy, with a good clinical response. This case highlights diagnostic challenges and strategies for investigating and managing similar complex scenarios, particularly in non-endemic settings.

Keywords: cardiology; case report; echocardiography; extrapulmonary tuberculosis (eptb); pericardial diseases; pericardiectomy; tuberculosis.

Figure 1. CTPA with pericardial effusion indicated

CTPA: computed tomography angiography

Figure 2. CTPA with pleural effusion and pericardial effusion shown

CTPA: computed tomography angiography

Figure 3. Pericardial effusion seen on echocardiogram, 2.45 cm at its largest

Figure 4. Previously noted pericardial fluid with an organized/fibrinous/thrombotic appearance

Regional wall abnormalities and a septal bounce were noted here.