A Case of Tuberculous Pericardial Effusion

Tuberculosis accounts for up to 4% of acute pericarditis and 7% cases of cardiac tamponade. Prompt treatment can be life saving but requires accurate diagnosis. We report a case of 30-year-old male who presented with fever, chills, and dry nonproductive cough since one month. The case was diagnosed by radiological findings, which were suggestive of pulmonary tuberculosis, followed by acid fast staining and culture of the aspirated pericardial fluid. The patient was responding to antitubercular treatment at the last follow up.