Heart failure as a first sign of disseminated tuberculosis

Abstract

Tuberculous pericarditis is a rare extra-pulmonary manifestation of tuberculosis observed mainly in developed countries. It usually presents with concomitant tuberculous infection at a different site and, due to the lack of clinical specificity, diagnosis can be difficult. Thus, a diagnostic delay is frequent, entailing increased morbidity and mortality. The authors present a case of disseminated tuberculosis with predominantly cardiac symptoms with multiple negative samples for Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which evolved to constrictive pericarditis. With this case report, the authors emphasize the demand for a high index of suspicion for achieving a diagnosis and the importance of a multidisciplinary approach.

Tuberculous Pericarditis—Own Experiences and Recent Recommendations

“…Originate from regions with a large prevalence of tuberculosis; • Are receiving immunosuppressive treatment or treatment with biological drugs; • Are infected with HIV; • Are diagnosed with renal insufficiency, particularly in those receiving dialysis therapy; • Are diagnosed with diabetes mellitus; • Are addicted to alcohol or drugs [4,13,14].…”