Constrictive pericarditis of tuberculous etiology in the HIV-positive patient: case report and review of the literature.

Abstract

Pericardial inflammation secondary to Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection is a rare condition, but its incidence is increasing in parallel with human immunodeficiency virus infection. Recrudescence of various types of tuberculosis should alert the clinician to the possibility of tuberculous pericarditis. The authors present the case of a 27-year-old white male, seropositive for the human immunodeficiency virus, presenting with large volume pericardial effusion and unusual echocardiographic features, global heart failure and clinical suspicion of tuberculosis. After anti-tuberculous chemotherapy and systemic corticosteroids there was some clinical improvement but evolution to constriction. The patient underwent pericardiectomy with good results. The authors present a literature review on constrictive tuberculous pericarditis in human immunodeficiency virus seropositive and seronegative patients, discussing the role of corticosteroids and the contribution of different diagnostic tools.

• Authors: Isabel Sá, Rui Môço, Sofia Cabral, António Hipólito Reis, Luís Sousa Pereira, Severo Torres, J Lopes Gomes
• Journal: Revista portuguesa de cardiologia : orgao oficial da Sociedade Portuguesa de Cardiologia = Portuguese journal of cardiology : an official journal of the Portuguese Society of Cardiology (Rev Port Cardiol) Vol. 25 Issue 11 Pg. 1029-38 (Nov 2006) ISSN: 0870-2551 [Print] Portugal
• PMID: 17274459 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article, Review)

Topics

• Adult
• HIV Seropositivity (complications)
• Humans
• Male
• Pericarditis, Constrictive (diagnosis, etiology)
• Pericarditis, Tuberculous (complications, diagnosis)