TUBERCULOSIS PERICARDITIS: A CASE REPORT IN WESTERN AMAZONIA

Abstract

Tuberculous pericarditis is a rare but severe form of extrapulmonary tuberculosis characterized by inflammation of the pericardium by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The disease occurs due to hematogenous spread of the primary pulmonary infection or contiguity from mediastinal lymph nodes.  The patient may present with nonspecific symptoms such as fever, chest pain, dyspnea, and fatigue. Diagnosis is challenging and usually requires a combination of clinical findings, imaging tests, pericardial fluid analysis, and microbiological tests, such as MRT-TB detection. Treatment is performed with antimicrobial therapy with a four-drug regimen (RIPE). Corticosteroids may be required to prevent constrictive pericarditis. An early multidisciplinary approach and appropriate treatment are essential to improve clinical outcomes and reduce the overall burden of disease.