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Published on: May 13, 2019
Tuberculous effusive-constrictive pericarditis
J B Russell1, F F Syed, M Ntsekhe
1Department of Internal Medicine, Groote Schuur Hospital and University of Cape Town, Observatory.
Insights
Tuberculosis and HIV epidemic in South Africa affects the heart, causing effusive-constrictive pericarditis. Contrast-enhanced MRI is valuable for diagnosing this cardiac condition.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Tuberculosis (TB) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) co-infection presents significant public health challenges in South Africa.
- Cardiac involvement in active TB is uncommon, primarily affecting the pericardium.
- Pericardial disease can manifest as effusions, cardiac tamponade, or constrictive pericarditis.
Observation:
- Effusive-constrictive pericarditis is a rare hemodynamic syndrome.
- This syndrome involves visceral pericardial constriction alongside a tense pericardial effusion.
- A case of effusive-constrictive pericarditis is presented in the context of TB/HIV epidemic.
Findings:
- The study highlights a patient diagnosed with effusive-constrictive pericarditis.
- Contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) effectively demonstrated structural and functional cardiac abnormalities.
- MRI is crucial for diagnosing complex pericardial conditions.
Implications:
- Early and accurate diagnosis of effusive-constrictive pericarditis is vital for patient management.
- Advanced imaging techniques like contrast-enhanced MRI improve diagnostic capabilities for cardiac involvement in TB/HIV.
- Understanding this condition aids in managing cardiovascular complications in endemic regions.
Abstract:
Infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis and the human immunodeficiency virus has reached epidemic proportions in South Africa. Cardiac involvement occurs in approximately one per cent of patients suffering from active tuberculosis. This concerns predominantly pericardial involvement, resulting in chronic pericardial effusions, cardiac tamponade and constrictive pericarditis. Effusive-constrictive pericarditis is a clinical haemodynamic syndrome in which constriction by the visceral pericardium occurs in the presence of a tense effusion in a free pericardial space. We present a patient who was diagnosed with this condition, and highlight the value of contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging in demonstrating the underlying structural and functional abnormalities.
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