Cardiac tuberculosis

Last revised by Rengarajan R on 29 Jul 2021

Cardiac tuberculosis refers to the rare infection of the heart with Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

Generally associated with and occurring as a complication of mediastinal and pulmonary tuberculosis.

Pericardial and myocardial involvement is known. Endocardial spread may occur from myocardium. Modes of spread to the myocardium are via lymphatics from mediastinal nodes, directly from the pericardium, or via a hematogenous route.

  • T1: nodular lesion which appears isointense to slightly hyperintense
  • T2: isointense
  • C+ Gd: mild heterogeneous enhancement

Patients generally respond well to antituberculous therapy. Clinical examination, known primary pulmonary infection and follow-up examinations will help confirm the diagnosis.

Imaging differential considerations include:

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