[TUBERCULOUS CONSTRICTIVE PERICARDITIS DETECTED ON POSITRON EMISSION TOMOGRAPHY]

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Infectious Diseases
• Radiology

Background:

• Tuberculous pericarditis is a significant cause of constrictive pericarditis, particularly in endemic regions.
• Early diagnosis is crucial for effective management and preventing long-term cardiac complications.

Observation:

• A 72-year-old male presented with symptoms including fever, dyspnea, and weight loss, alongside pleural and pericardial effusions.
• Imaging revealed enlarged lymph nodes and pericardial thickening, initially prompting investigation for malignancy.
• Positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET-CT) demonstrated fluorodeoxyglucose uptake in the pericardium and lymph nodes, atypical for malignancy.

Findings:

• Echocardiography confirmed constrictive pericarditis.
• Pathological examination of pericardial tissue showed caseous necrosis and granulomatous inflammation, indicative of tuberculosis.
• The patient was diagnosed with tuberculous constrictive pericarditis.

Implications:

• This case highlights the utility of PET-CT in diagnosing tuberculous pericarditis when malignancy is suspected but not confirmed.
• Prompt diagnosis and treatment of tuberculous pericarditis can prevent irreversible cardiac damage.
• Increased awareness of tuberculous pericarditis is necessary for clinicians, especially in areas with a high prevalence of tuberculosis.