Tuberculous Pericarditis, Two Case Report

Abstract

Background: Mycobacterium tuberculosis is among the leading causes of death, usually in underdeveloped countries, being the state of Baja California with most cases and deaths in Mexico. This infection can affect pericardium, although infrequent and it represents 1-4% of the cases of tuberculosis. The relevance of this presentation is the difficulty of diagnosis and high mortality.

Objective: Demonstrate the importance of keeping the high suspicion that this type of tuberculosis in endemic entities because of high mortality and the existence of treatment.

Description Of The Cases: 39 year old male who practiced sex with men and had multiple comorbidities. Referred to the emergency department to start antituberculous treatment. During his stay he presented deterioration of health. Pericardiocentesis was performed with results suggestive of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. He subsequently presents cardio respiratory arrest without spontaneous return of the circulation. The second case it’s about a 69 year old male who came into the emergency room with lower respiratory tract infection symptoms with two months of evolution and signs of cardiac insufficiency. An echocardiogram was performed meeting pericardial effusion which confirms the etiology of tuberculosis and started an antituberculous treatment with good evolution until discharge.

Conclusion: Currently, in endemic zones of Mycobacterium tuberculosis is important to suspect this agent in view of typical presentation of infection and atypical presentation of frequent pathologies.