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