Tuberculous Pericarditis: A Case Report in South-east Nigeria
Okpara Titus Chukwubuzo
Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Enugu State University of Science and Technology, Enugu, Nigeria.
Okoli Paul Chibuike *
Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, Enugu State University of Science and Technology, Enugu, Nigeria.
Chime Peter Ekpunobi
Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Enugu State University of Science and Technology, Enugu, Nigeria.
Eze Uchenna Gerald
Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, Enugu State University of Science and Technology, Enugu, Nigeria.
Agu Grace Uchechukwu
Department of Nursing Sciences, Enugu State University of Science and Technology, Enugu, Nigeria.
Anike Raphael Ugwu
Department of Psychology, Enugu State University of Science and Technology, Enugu, Nigeria.
Ekwo Jude Chukwudi
Department of Psychology, Enugu State University of Science and Technology, Enugu, Nigeria.
Ozougwu Augustine Obumneme
Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, Enugu State University of Science and Technology, Enugu, Nigeria.
Ngwoke Anthonia Onyinye
Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, Enugu State University of Science and Technology, Enugu, Nigeria.
Ogu Rita Ifeoma-Ossy
Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, Enugu State University of Science and Technology, Enugu, Nigeria.
Enukora Nkiru
Department of Psychology, University of Nigeria Nsukka, Nigeria.
Magaji Nyamaai Cephas
Department of Philosophy, St Thomas Aquinas’ Major Seminary Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Tuberculosis is a chronic infection and a common cause of chronic pericardial effusion. Approximately 1-2% of patients with pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) develop tuberculous pericarditis (TBP) and it is less common in the developed world than in developing countries where active tuberculosis is endemic. In these countries with high endemicity, TBP is the most common form of pericarditis and is often associated with HIV. The clinical picture is usually that of a chronic systemic illness in a patient with pericardial effusion. The index case is that of a 24 year old male, who had presented to our medical outpatient clinic with a history of cough and chest pain of 9 and 2 days duration respectively. Diagnosis was made following echocardiography, electrocardiography (ECG), Chest X-ray (CXR) and culture findings which showed features in keeping with tuberculous pericarditis. His clinical condition improved significantly following pericardiocentesis and TB treatment was subsequently instituted. He was discharged for outpatient follow-up 5 days after pericardiocentesis. TBP can be difficult to diagnose and often goes undetected especially in resource poor countries. Accurate and early diagnosis is important as it is a dangerous disease if left untreated.
Keywords: Tuberculous pericarditis, pericardial effusion, asthmatic