Case Report: Unexplained ascites can be constrictive pericarditis

Abstract

Here we present a patient who had unexplained ascites despite a lengthy series of investigations. Extrathoracic manifestations of constrictive pericarditis such as re- solving ascites often cover the true situation and lead to a delayed diagnosis. A six-year-old boy was referred to our hospital due to a three-year history of abdominal distention, and difficulty in breathing. A chest x-ray revealed heart enlargement. The diameter of the induration of the tuberculin skin test was 14 mm. Echocardiography and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging showed constrictive pericarditis. The patient was diagnosed with a tuberculosis origin of pericarditis. Cardiac catheterization was performed, and pericardiectomy. The patient was started on an anti-tuberculosis drug leading to a complete cure of ascites.