Constrictive Pericarditis Secondary to Tuberculosis Infection: Literature Review

Abstract

Tuberculous pericarditis is produced by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, accounting for 1% of all forms of tuberculosis. Its prevalence varies according to coinfection with HIV. Mortality varies between 17 and 40%. In the US, the prevalence is low compared to developing countries. This article aims to review the literature on pericarditis caused by tuberculosis (TBP), its prevalence in the US, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, and treatment. Among the most frequent clinical manifestations are dyspnea, fever, chest pain, and cough. TBP should be suspected in patients at high risk of exposure to tuberculosis. There are multiple lab tests for diagnosis, and its primary treatment is triple therapy with isoniazid, rifampin, and streptomycin or ethambutol. In case of persistent elevation of systemic venous pressure, surgical intervention is indicated. The clinical presentation was found to be variable.