Transudative Tuberculous Pleural Effusion Mimicking Massive Pericardial Effusion: A Case Report

Abstract

The presentation of a patient with a pleural effusion can range from an incidental finding to a serious condition, which can lead to being hemodynamically compromised. Here, we discuss a 24-year-old male with a history of childhood tuberculosis who presented with shortness of breath (SOB), a non-productive cough, and recent weight loss. On examination, he was dyspnoeic but alert. On echocardiographic evaluation, a massive effusion that looked like a massive pericardial effusion was seen, while a further CT scan of the thorax showed a massive unilateral left-sided pleural effusion. Although no tuberculosis (TB) was seen in the sample of thoracocentesis, the patient was referred to a TB centre because of a history of previous tuberculosis and recent weight loss. Pleural effusion and pericardial effusion can be differentiated using echocardiography. In conditions where it is impossible, further imaging, like computer tomography, may be needed to differentiate between them. Keywords:Pleural effusion; Tuberculosis; Pericardial effusion; Cardiac tamponade