Benign Tuberculous Constrictive Pericarditis: A Case of Complete Resolution with Empirical Antimicrobial Treatment.

Abstract

Tuberculous (TB) pericarditis is a well-known manifestation of tuberculosis, particularly in endemic regions. The progression to constrictive pericarditis, while under anti-tuberculosis treatment, is reported to be as high as 30%. This report presents a case of a 56-year-old female patient who complained of cough, pleuritic chest pain, night sweats, and fever, followed by orthopnea, dyspnea, and peripheral edema. Transthoracic echocardiography revealed the early stages of constrictive pericarditis and a small pericardial effusion. Chest computed tomography (CT) showed a thickened pericardium, small pericardial and pleural effusions, and multiple mediastinal lymphadenopathies. Due to a high suspicion of tuberculous pericarditis, the patient was administered empirical anti-TB treatment. A follow-up after two months showed complete resolution of symptoms and echocardiographic findings. Empirical antimicrobial treatment in endemic areas is a well-established strategy for managing tuberculous infection and proved successful in this patient. The early presentation and the significant improvement in signs and symptoms following the medical anti-TB regimen, without the need for pericardiectomy, were unique aspects of this case.