Cardiac tamponation as the first manifestation of tuberculosis in a healthy patient: surgical approach and case report

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18616/inova.v16i1.10550

Abstract

Cardiac tamponade is a potentially fatal emergency caused by fluid accumulation in the pericardial space, compromising ventricular filling and cardiac output. Its causes include infections, neoplasms, and iatrogenic complications. This report describes a 24-year-old previously healthy man admitted with cardiac tamponade, severe hypotension, and tachyarrhythmia. Pericardiocentesis was performed, draining 1.7 liters of serohematic fluid with subsequent hemodynamic improvement. Due to recurrence, a video-assisted pericardial window was performed, and histopathological analysis confirmed a tuberculous etiology. Specific treatment with rifampicin, isoniazid, pyrazinamide, and ethambutol was initiated, leading to complete resolution and absence of recurrence after six months. This case highlights the importance of considering tuberculosis among the causes of cardiac tamponade, especially in endemic regions, and demonstrates that early drainage combined with specific therapy is crucial for a favorable outcome.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

Published

2026-02-23