Journal of Medical Cases, ISSN 1923-4155 print, 1923-4163 online, Open Access
Article copyright, the authors; Journal compilation copyright, J Med Cases and Elmer Press Inc
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Case Report

Volume 14, Number 8, August 2023, pages 271-276

Tuberculous Pericarditis Presenting as Cardiac Tamponade: Role of Echocardiography

Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1. EKG shows low voltage QRS complexes and electrical alternans. EKG: electrocardiogram.
Figure 2.
Figure 2. Chest X-ray and CT chest. Chest X-ray (a) shows cardiomegaly with right-sided pleural effusion (asterisk). CT chest (b) coronal section shows a globular heart, volume overload with thickened pulmonary fissures (arrow) and interlobular septa, and moderate right-sided pleural effusion (asterisk). CT chest axial section (c) mediastinal window shows large pericardial effusion (asterisk) with moderate right-sided pleural effusion (asterisk), and (d) lung window shows volume overload with increased bronchovascular markings (arrow) and moderate right-sided pleural effusion (asterisk). CT: computed tomography.
Figure 3.
Figure 3. TTE images show the following findings: (a) M-mode with large pericardial effusion and right ventricular (RV) diastolic collapse. (b) Parasternal long axis view consistent with RV diastolic collapse. (c) The collapse of the right atrium. (d) Mitral valve inflow velocity with respiratory variation greater than 25%. TTE: transthoracic echocardiography.

Table

Table 1. Laboratory Values
 
Laboratory testResultReference range
BNP: B-type natriuretic peptide.
White blood cell counts5.704.50 - 10.90
Hemoglobin13.1 g/dL12.0 - 16.0 g/dL
Platelet count327,000/µL150,000 - 400,000/µL
Aspartate transaminase49 U/L10 - 35 U/L
Alanine transaminase77 U/L0 - 31 U/L
Blood urea nitrogen (BUN)15.0 mg/dL8.0 - 23.0 mg/dL
Creatinine1.03 mg/dL0.50 - 0.90 mg/dL
Pro-BNP314 pg/mL< 125 pg/mL
Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR)48 mm/h0 - 20 mm/h
C-reactive protein12.20 mg/L0 - 3.0 mg/L
Troponin T0.010 ng/L< 0.010 ng/L