Publication date: Mar 24, 2025
IntroductionTuberculosis (TB) is a rare cause of chylopericardium. Optimal management remains unclear. Methods/ResultsA 30-year-old Filipino male presented with recurrent massive pericardial effusions, with pericardiostomy revealing chylopericardium. Microbiologic TB studies were negative, and other etiologies were excluded. Pericardial fluid adenosine deaminase was elevated; anti-TB regimen was initiated, leading to resolution. DiscussionThere is no consensus about the optimal management of TB chylopericardium. Adenosine deaminase represents a useful test to diagnose TB in inflammatory, lymphocyte-predominant effusions, especially when other tests are negative. Failed conservative management merits more invasive approaches. ConclusionWhile data remain lacking, this case suggests that TB chylopericardium responds to anti-TB therapy.
| Concepts | Keywords |
|---|---|
| Filipino | adenosine deaminase |
| Microbiologic | chylopericardium |
| Milky | pericardial effusion |
| Old | Philippines |
| Pericardiostomy | Tuberculosis |
Semantics
| Type | Source | Name |
|---|---|---|
| disease | MESH | chylopericardium |
| drug | DRUGBANK | Pegademase bovine |
| disease | MESH | Tuberculosis |
| pathway | KEGG | Tuberculosis |