Extrapulmonary tuberculosis presenting as hemorrhagic pleuro-pericardial effusions with pericardial mass

Abstract

Key clinical message: Tuberculosis (TB) pericarditis, while uncommon, should be considered in patients with pericardial masses and effusion. Timely recognition and treatment with anti-TB medications are crucial for a successful outcome.

Abstract: TB pericarditis presenting as a pericardial mass is an unusual and rare manifestation of this disease. We report a 59-year-old South Asian male who presented with a 1-week history of dyspnea and cough. He was found to have a hemorrhagic pericardial mass with a massive pericardial effusion. Pleural fluid analysis was positive for TB. The patient was successfully treated with anti-TB medications. Although rare, tuberculous pericardial involvement should be suspected in patients presenting with symptoms of pericardial masses and effusion.

Keywords: extrapulmonary TB; pericardial effusion; pericardial masses; tuberculosis.