Related Experiment Videos
Tuberculous pericarditis and AIDS: case reports and review
A Mastroianni1, O Coronado, F Chiodo
1Istituto Malattie Infettive, Policlinico Sant'Orsola, Università di Bologna, Italy.
European Journal of Epidemiology
|February 12, 1998
Summary
Tuberculosis pericarditis is rare in developed countries but can be an AIDS-defining illness. This study highlights two cases, one with disseminated tuberculosis and another with drug-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Infectious Diseases
- HIV Medicine
Background:
- Pericarditis is a frequent cardiac complication in Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) disease.
- Opportunistic infections and neoplasms are the primary causes of pericardial disease in HIV patients.
- Tuberculous pericarditis is rare, particularly in developed nations.
Observation:
- Two adult patients with Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) presented with tuberculous pericarditis over 12 months.
- In one case, pericardial effusion was the AIDS-defining illness, indicative of disseminated tuberculosis.
- The second patient experienced fatal pericarditis due to multidrug-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
Findings:
- Tuberculous pericarditis, though uncommon, is a significant consideration in HIV/AIDS patients.
- Disseminated tuberculosis can manifest as pericardial effusion, potentially an AIDS-defining event.
- Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis poses a severe threat, leading to fatal outcomes in AIDS patients.
Implications:
- Increased vigilance for tuberculous pericarditis in HIV/AIDS populations is warranted.
- Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are crucial for managing tuberculous pericarditis in AIDS.
- The emergence of drug-resistant tuberculosis necessitates tailored therapeutic strategies in immunocompromised individuals.