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[An isolated tuberculoma in the left ventricle]
R Baretti1, L Eckel, F Beyersdorf
1Klinik für Thorax-, Herz- und Gefässchirurgie, Universität Frankfurt/Main.
Deutsche Medizinische Wochenschrift (1946)
|January 28, 1994
Summary
A rare cardiac tuberculoma mimicking a myxoma was surgically removed from a patient with chronic bronchitis. Polymerase chain reaction confirmed tuberculosis, leading to effective treatment.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Pathology
Background:
- Cardiac tumors, such as myxomas, can present with diverse symptoms.
- Tuberculosis (TB) can manifest in extrathoracic sites, including the heart, though rarely.
Observation:
- A 62-year-old woman with chronic bronchitis presented with worsening dyspnea.
- Imaging suggested a left ventricular myxoma; however, surgery revealed an encapsulated mass on the mitral valve.
- Histopathology showed a tuberculoma, confirmed by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) for Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
Findings:
- Surgical excision of the cardiac tuberculoma was successful.
- Post-operative tuberculostatic treatment (ethambutol, rifampicin, isoniazid) was initiated.
- PCR confirmed Mycobacterium tuberculosis, despite negative initial histology and culture.
Implications:
- This case highlights the importance of considering tuberculosis in cardiac masses, especially in endemic areas.
- Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for managing cardiac tuberculosis.
- PCR is a valuable tool for diagnosing TB when conventional methods are inconclusive.