PERICARDIAL TUBERCULOSIS: AN ESSENTIAL DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS IN PERICARDITIS

Pericardial tuberculosis is a rare and potentially fatal form of extrapulmonary tuberculosis that poses a diagnostic challenge, especially in endemic regions. This article reviews its clinical, epidemiological, and diagnostic aspects, based on literature published between 2012 and 2024. Pericardial infection by Mycobacterium tuberculosis occurs by hematogenous or lymphatic dissemination and may progress to cardiac tamponade or constrictive pericarditis. The clinical presentation is insidious, with symptoms such as chest pain, dyspnea, and prolonged fever. Diagnosis requires clinical correlation and tests such as echocardiography and pericardial fluid analysis, with elevated ADA being a useful marker. Treatment follows the standard tuberculosis regimen, which may include corticosteroids and invasive procedures in severe cases. Early recognition is essential to reduce morbidity and mortality associated with this condition.