Intra-Cavitary Masses: Rare Presentation of a Common Illness in SAARC Nation

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Infectious Diseases
• Pathology

Background:

• Cardiovascular tuberculosis (TB) is an infrequent manifestation of Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
• TB can impact the endocardium, myocardium, and pericardium.
• Endocardial tuberculoma represents the rarest form of cardiac TB.

Observation:

• A middle-aged woman presented with simultaneous pericardial constriction and multichamber endocardial tuberculoma.
• Echocardiography can misdiagnose endocardial tuberculoma as other intracardiac masses.
• The patient was from a SAARC nation.

Findings:

• The case involved a rare presentation of cardiovascular TB with both pericardial constriction and endocardial tuberculoma.
• Diagnosis of endocardial tuberculoma can be challenging due to its similarity to other intracardiac lesions on imaging.
• A combined pharmacological and surgical approach was employed.

Implications:

• Early diagnosis and prompt treatment are crucial for reducing morbidity and mortality in cardiovascular TB.
• This case underscores the importance of considering TB in the differential diagnosis of intracardiac masses.
• Successful management highlights the efficacy of integrated treatment strategies for complex cardiovascular TB cases.