A Rare Case of Purulent Pericardial TB

Pericardial effusion is a common disease and tuberculosis (TB) accounts up to 4% of acute pericarditis with up to 7% of tamponade case. Accurate diagnosis is important while quick intervention can be life-saving. A case was reported involving a 73-year-old man who presented with reduced effort tolerance for one-month duration. During hospitalization, further workup revealed the presence of massive purulent pericardial effusion with evidence of tamponade. TB gene expert was positive in aspirated pericardial fluid and the patient was treated promptly using a combination of anti-TB drugs with the addition of steroid therapy.