Tuberculous Constrictive Pericarditis Research Articles

A Rare Case of Tuberculous Constrictive Pericarditis Due to Disseminated Tuberculosis with Response to Anti-tuberculosis Chemotherapy and Steroids in a Developed City State

A 27-year-old man presented with a 1-week history of atypical chest pain and sinus tachycardia. His physical examination was unremarkable. His resting ECG showed sinus tachycardia with widespread T-wave inversion. His initial blood tests show mildly raised troponin T and inflammatory markers and marked raised D-dimer. A CT pulmonary angiogram was performed to exclude pulmonary embolism but incidentally revealed an anterior mediastinal mass. A transthoracic echocardiogram and cardiac MRI showed features of constrictive pericarditis. A video-assisted thoracoscopic surgical biopsy of the anterior mediastinal mass showed thymic tissue with necrotising granulomatous inflammation and an acid-fast bacilli culture was positive to tuberculosis infection. The patient was started on anti-tuberculosis chemotherapy and a 6-week tapering course of oral steroids. A repeat cardiac MRI performed after 6 weeks of treatment showed a significant response to treatment with resolution of constrictive physiology.

The clinical value of P-wave terminal force in lead V1 in evaluating pericardial thickness in tuberculous constrictive pericarditis

AimTo investigate the relationship between p wave terminal force (Ptfv1) and pericardial thickness in patients with tuberculous constrictive pericarditis.MethodsFrom January 2018 to October 2022, 95 patients with tuberculous constrictive pericarditis who needed pericarditis dissection in a hospital were collected, and 3 patients who did not meet the criteria were excluded, a total of 92 cases. The absolute value of Ptfv1 in conventional electrocardiogram was tested before surgery, and pericardial thickness was measured by echocardiography and chest CT. Pericardial thickness was measured after pericardial dissection. Pearson correlation analysis was used, R software was used to make scatter plot, and non-parametric square test was used. The correlation of postoperative measurements with echocardiography, chest CT and absolute value of Ptfv1 was analyzed.ResultsPearson correlation analysis was conducted with postoperative measurements and echocardiography measurements, postoperative measurements and chest CT measurements, and postoperative measurements and absolute value of Ptfv1. Pearson correlation analysis showed that the correlation coefficients between postoperative measurements and echocardiography, chest CT and Ptfv1 values were statistically significant. Scatter plot and nonparametric Chi-square test showed that postoperative measurements were consistent with absolute values of echocardiography, chest CT and Ptfv1 (p < 0.05). And this study found that the distribution of the value of Ptfv1 ≥ 5 was higher than the value of Ptfv1 < 5 after pericardiectomy (0.95:0.05) in the absolute value of Ptfv1 ≥ 0.04 which measured before pericardiectomy. The hypothesis was statistically significant (p < 0.05).ConclusionThe absolute value of Ptfv1 in electrocardiogram can be used as an auxiliary diagnostic index to evaluate pericardial thickness in tuberculous constrictive pericarditis.

Anaesthetic Management of a Large Atrial Septal Defect with Severe Tuberculous Constrictive Pericarditis: A Case Report

The combination of constrictive pericarditis (CP) and atrial septal defect (ASD) is a rare medical condition. Surgical intervention is typically considered the superior treatment option for patients with this condition. In this report, we present a rare case where a patient presented both a large ASD and severe tuberculous CP. The role of anesthesia is crucial in surgical procedures involving this complex cardiac conditions. Factors such as hemodynamic stability, fluid management, and preservation of cardiac function must be carefully considered. The utilization of transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) proved highly advantageous in this case, as it guided the medical team through various phases of treatment. By closely monitoring cardiac function with TEE, changes and improvements be accurately evaluated over time. This case report discusses the anesthetic management issues of this complex disease.

Clinical Significance of Preoperative Pyrazinamide-Containing Therapy in Tuberculous Constrictive Pericarditis.

Tuberculous constrictive pericarditis (TCP) is recommended to be treated with anti-tuberculosis (TB) therapy before pericardiectomy. Whether different preoperative anti-TB regimens may lead to different outcomes is unclear. We retrospectively collected patients diagnosed as TCP and received pericardiectomy from April 2016 to June 2023. The study patients were assigned into the active TCP (A-TCP) group and the inactive TCP (IA-TCP) group according to the results of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) culture and MTB RNA assay. Baseline characteristics including anti-TB regimens and surgical outcomes were compared between the two groups. Logistic regression analysis and subgroup analysis were conducted to identify the protective factors of A-TCP. Of the 102 study patients, 24 was in the A-TCP group and 78 was in the IA-TCP group. The rate of preoperative anti-TB regimen containing pyrazinamide was 37.5% in the A-TCP group, as compared with 74.4% in the IA-TCP group (P = 0.001). Multivariate analysis showed that preoperative use of pyrazinamide was the protective factor of A-TCP (OR 0.194, 95% CI 0.053-0.703, P = 0.013). Subgroup analysis based on age also showed consistent findings. In the analyses of surgical outcomes, A-TCP was the independent risk factor of postoperative cardiac complications (OR 4.231, 95% CI 1.317-13.593, P = 0.015) and associated with longer hospital stay (P = 0.004) and higher hospitalization cost (P = 0.001). A strategy involving anti-TB regimen containing pyrazinamide before pericardiectomy was superior to that without pyrazinamide in the patients with TCP. The strategy was associated with lower risk of A-TCP and might lead to better postoperative recovery and cost-effectiveness.

A Case of Extensive Diffuse Calcified Tuberculous Constrictive Pericarditis: Late Presentation Leading to a Devastating Outcome.

A Case of Extensive Diffuse Calcified Tuberculous Constrictive Pericarditis: Late Presentation Leading to a Devastating Outcome.

A case report of tuberculous constrictive pericarditis as a sole manifestation of tuberculosis in a male adolescent

Constrictive pericarditis is a rare type of pericardial disease that can be caused by various factors. Tuberculosis (TB) is one of the most common causes of this abnormality in Indonesia. Interestingly, tuberculous constrictive pericarditis can occur in the absence of acute pericarditis, pulmonary, or extrapulmonary TB. This case described a male adolescent with refractory right-sided heart failure symptoms who developed a rapidly progressive tuberculous constrictive pericarditis. Various imaging modalities, such as echocardiography, chest computed tomography (CT) scan, cardiac magnetic resonance imaging, and incidental PET/CT scan, were used to diagnose the pericardial abnormality. Histopathological findings in pericardial tissues confirmed the diagnosis. Complete surgical pericardiectomy, in conjunction with anti-TB drugs, diuretics, and colchicine, resulted in a significant clinical improvement.

Strain Reversus: A Diagnostic Regional Myocardial Left Ventricular Longitudinal Strain Pattern in Tuberculous Constrictive Pericarditis on Two-Dimensional Speckle Tracking Echocardiography

Background: Tuberculous constrictive pericarditis (CP) is a chronic inflammatory disease by Mycobacterium tuberculosis affecting the pericardium, occurring mainly in developing nations. The aim of this study was to evaluate left atrial (LA) and left ventricular (LV) myocardial mechanics in tuberculous CP using standard two-dimensional (2D) echocardiography and speckle tracking echocardiography (STE). Methods: A prospective observational echocardiographic study of 30 subjects was performed: 15 patients with tuberculous CP and 15 controls. 2D echocardiography, color Doppler imaging, and tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) were performed along with STE to evaluate the LV and LA mechanics. Results: We found that the global circumferential strain (GCS, P = 0.002) and the global longitudinal strain (P = 0.02) were significantly reduced in patients with CP compared with controls. The longitudinal lateral wall strain was significantly reduced (P = 0.001) in CP patients, whereas longitudinal septal strain was not reduced significantly (P = 0.18) in CP patients compared with controls. The longitudinal lateral strain was significantly reduced as compared to the longitudinal septal strain (P = 0.001) within the CP group (strain reversus). Annulus reversus (medial early diastolic mitral annular velocity [e'] &gt; lateral e') by TDI was observed in 11 cases out of 15 in tuberculous CP group, whereas strain reversus (septal strain &gt; lateral strain) was seen in all cases of CP group. The LA reservoir strain showed a statistically significant reduction in CP patients (P = 0.001) compared to controls. Conclusions: “Strain reversus” and reduced GCS are characteristic imaging findings on STE in patients with tuberculous CP and may provide an additional parameter to conventional echocardiography in the diagnosis of tuberculous CP.

Predictors of postoperative complication and prolonged intensive care unit stay after complete pericardiectomy in tuberculous constrictive pericarditis

BackgroundThe risk factors of postoperative outcomes after pericardiectomy in tuberculous constrictive pericarditis have still been unclear. This study aimed to investigate the predictors of postoperative complication and prolonged intensive care unit (ICU) stay in the patients with tuberculous constrictive pericarditis undergoing pericardiectomy.MethodsA total of 88 patients with tuberculous constrictive pericarditis undergoing pericardiectomy were retrospectively enrolled. Logistic regression and Cox regression analysis were performed to identify the predictors of postoperative complication and prolonged ICU stay, respectively.ResultsAll patients underwent complete pericardiectomy and 35 (39.8%) had postoperative complication with no mortality within 30 days after surgery and no in-hospital deaths. Postoperative complication prolonged postoperative ICU stay (P < 0.001), duration of chest drainage (P < 0.001) and postoperative hospital stay (P < 0.001). Preoperative NYHA functional class (P = 0.004, OR 4.051, 95%CI 1.558–10.533) and preoperative central venous pressure (CVP) (P = 0.031, OR 1.151, 95%CI 1.013–1.309) were independent risk factors of postoperative complication. Postoperative complication (P < 0.001, HR 4.132, 95%CI 2.217–7.692) was the independent risk factor for prolonged ICU stay.ConclusionComplete pericardiectomy was associated with high risk of postoperative complication in tuberculous constrictive pericarditis. Poor preoperative NYHA functional class and high preoperative CVP were shown to predict postoperative complication which was the predictor of prolonged ICU stay.

Early operative outcome of pericardiectomy for symptomatic chronic tuberculous constrictive pericarditis

Background: Pericardiectomy procedure is commonly indicated for constrictive pericarditis (CP). One of the most important clue to diagnosis of CP is the signs and symptoms of right-sided heart failure that are not completely explained by presence of pulmonary disease or left-ventricular failure. The aim of this study was to assess clinical data presentation and early operative outcomes of pericardiectomy performed for symptomatic chronic constrictive pericarditis who had failed maximal medical therapy.&#x0D; Methodology: A retrospective analysis was carried out of consecutive constrictive pericarditis adult age patients who underwent pericardiectomy procedure from 2002 to 2012. The patients who had intraoperative diagnosis of other then constrictive pericarditis were excluded from further analysis. A total 51 patients were selected for this study. The preoperative assessment, intraoperative findings and postoperative course and outcome such as hospital stay, prolonge ICU stay, post-operative CPV etc. were evaluated.&#x0D; Results: 43 males and 8 females were include in the study among them 41% gave history of previous (TB) and 35% were pediatric patients (teens, as shown less than 19 years). 8 patients had effusive type pericarditis. The preoperative findings revealed dyspnea 54%, Chest Pain 45% and persistent cough 31%. Furthermore, 43% patients had ascites and 41% with pleural effusion. The mean preoperative central venous pressure (CVP) was 20.5 respectively. The post-operative outcome was short hospital stay, the post-operative patients CVP was estimated 13.5 and the mean drop of CVP due to pericardiectomy was estimated 7 respectively.&#x0D; Conclusion: The conclusive findings of our study revealed that among the patients of symptomatic chronic tuberculous CP, the timely pericardiectomy attempt can effectively improve the hemodynamics of the patient. The early pericardiectomy can also reduce the morbidity and mortality rate of these patients.&#x0D;

Tuberculous Constrictive Pericarditis with Pericardial Calcification – An Antique Picture

Tuberculous Constrictive Pericarditis with Pericardial Calcification – An Antique Picture

Right Heart Failure in Young People in Emerging Countries Is Most Commonly Secondary to Tuberculous Constrictive Pericarditis

Constrictive pericarditis is a rare disease with a challenging diagnosis and treatment. Tuberculous pericarditis accounts to 1-2% of the cases in the United States, but is the most common cause in other countries. We report a 17-year-old male presenting with right heart failure. His initial work up that included an Electrocardiogram, chest roentgenogram and echocardiogram suspected constrictive pericarditis. Right heart catheterization and cardiac MRI confirmed the diagnosis. Total Pericardiectomy was performed. Tissue PCR showed tuberculous pericarditis and the patient was treated with anti-tuberculous drugs for 9 months. Tuberculosis is a common cause of constrictive pericarditis especially in developing countries, whereas in developed countries most cases are idiopathic. To note that the diagnosis of tuberculous pericarditis can be difficult especially in negative PPD patients However It remains a common cause of constrictive pericarditis in some parts of the world where a high index of suspicion is requested. The treatment is curative and thus an aggressive approach in diagnosis and treatment is indicated.

P-wave terminal force in lead V1 is a predictive indicator for the diagnosis of tuberculous constrictive pericarditis

ObjectivesThe purpose of this study is to explore the value of P-wave terminal force in lead V1 (PTFV1) in the clinical diagnosis of tuberculous constrictive pericarditis (TCP). MethodsA total of 53 patients with TCP and 64 patients with tuberculous exudative pericarditis were enrolled in this retrospective study. The demographic and clinical characteristics were collected, including gender, age, the course of disease and New York Heart Association (NYHA) classification. Besides, echocardiography data also were obtained, including left atrial diameter, left ventricular end-diastolic diameter and left ventricular ejection fraction. In addition, the parameters of electrocardiogram (ECG) were obtained, such as heart rate, the time from the corrected ORS wave origin to T-wave terminal, atrial fibrillation, right bundle branch block, atrial premature beat, and PTFV1 value. ResultsNo significant differences were found in age, gender, the course of disease, echocardiography results, ECG parameters (in addition to PTFV1) between patients with TCP and patients with tuberculous exudative pericarditis. The percentage of patients located in NYHA class IV in the patients with TCP was significantly higher than those of patients with tuberculous exudative pericarditis (p = 0.041). Moreover, the incidence rate of abnormal PTFV1 (≤ -0.04 mm·s) was obviously higher in patients with TCP than those of patients with tuberculous exudative pericarditis (64.2% vs 9.4%, p < 0.001). ConclusionsAbnormal PTFV1 (≤ -0.04 mm·s) is associated with TCP, and PTFV1 may be a potential novel diagnostic indicator for TCP diagnosis.

Multimodality Imaging of Pericardial Diseases.

Pericardial diseases have changed their epidemiology in the past few years. With the aging population and decreasing incidence of communicable diseases, the causes of pericardial diseases have significantly changed from infectious and malignant to postradiation and cardiac surgery causes. Despite that, pericardial diseases remain difficult to diagnose. The accurate and timely diagnosis of these diseases is essential to avoid the late sequela of pericardial constriction and pericardial cirrhosis. Echocardiography remains the first test of choice for the assessment of patients with suspected pericardial diseases. Most patients with acute pericarditis have a self-limiting course and do not need further imaging. However, in the era of multimodality imaging, other modalities, namely, computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (CMR), are often utilized in complex cases. These two modalities provide a wide-open view of the pericardium and adjacent structures. They have high resolution to assess pericardial calcification, a hallmark of many diseases especially tuberculous constrictive pericarditis. CMR is also unique in its ability to assess pericardial late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) and edema. These have been recently suggested to be very important in the progression from acute pericarditis to constrictive pericarditis. In addition, they provide prognostic value to assess which patients are at high risk of developing heart failure and resource utilization. Thus, in the current era, patients with suspected complex pericardial diseases will need a multimodality approach rather than a single modality approach.

Interventions for treating tuberculous pericarditis.

BackgroundTuberculous pericarditis can impair the heart's function and cause death; long term, it can cause the membrane to fibrose and constrict causing heart failure. In addition to antituberculous chemotherapy, treatments include corticosteroids, drainage, and surgery.ObjectivesTo assess the effects of treatments for tuberculous pericarditis.Search methodsWe searched the Cochrane Infectious Diseases Group Specialized Register (27 March 2017); the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), published in the Cochrane Library (2017, Issue 2); MEDLINE (1966 to 27 March 2017); Embase (1974 to 27 March 2017); and LILACS (1982 to 27 March 2017). In addition we searched the metaRegister of Controlled Trials (mRCT) and the World Health Organization (WHO) International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP) search portal using 'tuberculosis' and 'pericard*' as search terms on 27 March 2017. We searched ClinicalTrials.gov and contacted researchers in the field of tuberculous pericarditis. This is a new version of the original 2002 review.Selection criteriaWe included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi‐RCTs.Data collection and analysisTwo review authors independently screened search outputs, evaluated study eligibility, assessed risk of bias, and extracted data; and we resolved any discrepancies by discussion and consensus. One trial assessed the effects of both corticosteroid and Mycobacterium indicus pranii treatment in a two‐by‐two factorial design; we excluded data from the group that received both interventions. We conducted fixed‐effect meta‐analysis and assessed the certainty of the evidence using the GRADE approach.Main resultsSeven trials met the inclusion criteria; all were from sub‐Saharan Africa and included 1959 participants, with 1051/1959 (54%) HIV‐positive. All trials evaluated corticosteroids and one each evaluated colchicine, M. indicus pranii immunotherapy, and open surgical drainage. Four trials (1841 participants) were at low risk of bias, and three trials (118 participants) were at high risk of bias.In people who are not infected with HIV, corticosteroids may reduce deaths from all causes (risk ratio (RR) 0.80, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.59 to 1.09; 660 participants, 4 trials, low certainty evidence) and the need for repeat pericardiocentesis (RR 0.85, 95% CI 0.70 to 1.04; 492 participants, 2 trials, low certainty evidence). Corticosteroids probably reduce deaths from pericarditis (RR 0.39, 95% CI 0.19 to 0.80; 660 participants, 4 trials, moderate certainty evidence). However, we do not know whether or not corticosteroids have an effect on constriction or cancer among HIV‐negative people (very low certainty evidence).In people living with HIV, only 19.9% (203/1959) were on antiretroviral drugs. Corticosteroids may reduce constriction (RR 0.55, 0.26 to 1.16; 575 participants, 3 trials, low certainty evidence). It is uncertain whether corticosteroids have an effect on all‐cause death or cancer (very low certainty evidence); and may have little or no effect on repeat pericardiocentesis (RR 1.02, 0.89 to 1.18; 517 participants, 2 trials, low certainty evidence).For colchicine among people living with HIV, we found one small trial (33 participants) which had insufficient data to make any conclusions about any effects on death or constrictive pericarditis.Irrespective of HIV status, due to very low certainty evidence from one trial, it is uncertain whether adding M. indicus pranii immunotherapy to antituberculous drugs has an effect on any outcome.Open surgical drainage for effusion may reduce repeat pericardiocentesis In HIV‐negative people (RR 0.23, 95% CI 0.07 to 0.76; 122 participants, 1 trial, low certainty evidence) but may make little or no difference to other outcomes. We did not find an eligible trial that assessed the effects of open surgical drainage in people living with HIV.The review authors found no eligible trials that examined the length of antituberculous treatment needed nor the effects of other adjunctive treatments for tuberculous pericarditis.Authors' conclusionsFor HIV‐negative patients, corticosteroids may reduce death. For HIV‐positive patients not on antiretroviral drugs, corticosteroids may reduce constriction. For HIV‐positive patients with good antiretroviral drug viral suppression, clinicians may consider the results from HIV‐negative patients more relevant.Further research may help evaluate percutaneous drainage of the pericardium under local anaesthesia, the timing of pericardiectomy in tuberculous constrictive pericarditis, and new antibiotic regimens.2 April 2019Up to dateAll studies incorporated from most recent searchAll eligible published studies found in the last search (27 Mar, 2017) were included and one ongoing study was identified (see 'Characteristics of ongoing studies' section)

Surgical management of tuberculous constrictive pericarditis in a developing country: case report

Tuberculosis has been increasing in incidence in recent years especially in developing countries. Tuberculous pericarditis is a form of extra pulmonary tuberculosis that is considered unusual.

Densely calcified tuberculous constrictive pericarditis with concurrent active pulmonary tuberculosis infection

Though pulmonary tuberculosis is a common chronic infection in the developing countries like Nepal, the incidence of tubercular constrictive pericarditis is very low. Here we report a patient of active pulmonary tuberculosis with sputum positive for acid fast bacilli along with densely calcified constrictive pericarditis which has been reported as a very rare presentation in the literature.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jcmsn.v10i2.12955 Journal of College of Medical Sciences-Nepal, 2014, Vol.10(2); 41-43

Quantification of echodensities in tuberculous pericardial effusion using fractal geometry: a proof of concept study

BackgroundThe purpose of this study was to quantify the heterogeneous distribution of echodensities in the pericardial fluid of patients with tuberculous pericarditis using echocardiography and fractal analysis, and to determine whether there were differences in the fractal dimensions of effusive-constrictive and effusive non-constrictive disease.MethodsWe used fractal geometry to quantify the echocardiographic densities in patients who were enrolled in the Investigation of the Management of Pericarditis in Africa (IMPI Africa) Registry. Sub-costal and four chamber images were included in the analysis if a minimum of two clearly identified fibrin strands were present and the quality of the images were of a standard which allowed for accurate measurement of the fractal dimension. The fractal dimension was calculated as follows: Df = limlog N(s)/[log (l/s)], where Df is the box counting fractal dimension of the fibrin strand, s is the side length of the box and N(s) is the smallest number of boxes of side length s to cover the outline of the object being measured. We compared the fractal dimension of echocardiographic findings in patients with effusive constrictive pericarditis to effusive non-constrictive pericardial effusion using the non-parametric Mann–Whitney test.ResultsOf the 14 echocardiographs from 14 participants that were selected for the study, 42.8% (6/14) of images were subcostal views while 57.1% (8/14) were 4-chamber views. Eight of the patients had tuberculous effusive constrictive pericarditis while 6 had tuberculous effusive non-constrictive pericarditis. The mean fractal dimension Df was 1.325 with a standard deviation (SD) of 0.146. The measured fibrin strand dimension exceeded the topological dimension in all the images over the entire range of grid scales with a correlation coefficient (r2) greater than 0.8 in the majority. The fractal dimension of echodensities was 1.359 ± 0.199 in effusive constrictive pericarditis compared to 1.330 ± 0.166 in effusive non-constrictive pericarditis (p = 0.595).ConclusionsThe echocardiographic densities in tuberculous pericardial effusion have a fractal geometrical dimension which is similar in pure effusive and effusive constrictive disease.

Treating Constrictive Pericarditis in a Chinese Single-Center Study: A Five-Year Experience

Constrictive pericarditis is a rare and disabling disease that can result in chronic fibrous thickening of the pericardium. Prompt treatment of constrictive pericarditis is necessary to limit morbidity and mortality. We analyzed the clinical details of 51 constrictive pericarditis patients who underwent surgery from January 2005 to December 2010 at our center. Of the patients, 33 (65%) had tuberculous constrictive pericarditis, 13 (25%) had idiopathic pericarditis, 3 (6%) had previous cardiac surgery, and 1 (2%) had connective tissue disease. All patients underwent total pericardiectomy by midline sternotomy. The in-hospital mortality rate was 3.9% (2 of 51 patients). The cause of death was severe low cardiac output syndrome in 1 patient and acute renal failure in the other patient. There were 2 cases of recurrent constrictive pericarditis after discharge. The actuarial 1-year survival rate was 93.7%. One-year follow-up revealed that an initial higher erythrocyte sedimentation rate, abnormal creatinine value, postoperative low output syndrome, and pleural effusion were all associated with increased mortality. Rapid diagnosis and treatment of constrictive pericarditis are crucial to reduce mortality and morbidity. Pericardiectomy should be performed early after diagnosis, in order to prevent chronic illness. After surgery, inotropes, diuretics, salt restriction, and nutrition supply are also critical to improve the prognosis. The inflammation marker erythrocyte sedimentation rate should be evaluated during follow-up.

Cardiogenic shock following cesarean delivery due to undiagnosed tuberculous constrictive pericarditis

We describe an uncommon cause of cardiogenic shock following cesarean delivery in a 24-year-old multiparous woman at 26 weeks of gestation. Hemodynamic instability was erroneously attributed to amniotic infection syndrome and sepsis, which resulted in delayed diagnosis and treatment of tuberculous constrictive pericarditis. Inotropic support, pericardectomy, and implantation of a left ventricular assist device were required for maternal survival.

Tuberculous constrictive pericarditis with concurrent active pulmonary tuberculous infection: a case report

IntroductionIn some particular endemic area, it is not uncommon to see patients with tuberculosis pericarditis. However, it takes a period of time from tuberculous pericarditis to constrictive pericarditis. There is still no report of tuberculous constrictive pericarditis concurrent with active pulmonary TB infection in a patient without previous pulmonary TB infection history. Therefore, we reported a TB constrictive pericarditis with rare disease progress.Case presentationWe report the case of a 63-year-old Taiwanese man with tuberculous constrictive pericarditis concurrent with active pulmonary tuberculous infection presenting with progressive extremities edema, puffy face, abdominal distension and dyspnea on exertion found to be caused by right heart failure. The patient was cured by pericardial stripping and anti-tuberculosis chemotherapy. We reviewed other cases of tuberculous constrictive pericarditis from the literature and described the peculiarities of this case.ConclusionsRapid diagnosis and treatment of constrictive pericarditis are crucial to reduce mortality. In some endemic areas, Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection should be taken into consideration during diagnostic evaluations for constrictive pericarditis. Surgical intervention is still the treatment of choice when the patient has the symptoms or signs of pericardial constriction and right heart failure. Our case is a constant reminder that active Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection does present itself with uncommon presentations.