Video-assisted thoracoscopic pericardial fenestration for tuberculous pericardial effusion

A 72-year-old woman was admitted with chest discomfort and general fatigue. She was diagnosed as having cardiac tamponade with massive pericardial effusion. Percutaneous pericardiocentesis yielded bloody effusion. Tuberculous pericarditis was suspected owing to the adenosine deaminase level in this fluid. Video-assisted thoracoscopic pericardial fenestration (VATSPF) was performed for the diagnosis and treatment. Polymerase chain reaction detected Mycobacterium tuberculosis DNA in the pericardial tissues, confirming the diagnosis of tuberculous pericarditis. She received a combination of three-kind medication and anti-tuberculous regimen, and a follow-up check up for more than 2 years, exhibiting a good postoperative course. We conclude that VATSPF can be a useful procedure not only for diagnosis but for release of tuberculous pericarditis with cardiac tamponade and for prophylaxis of constrictive pericarditis.