Catheter drainage of tuberculous pericarditis

Case contributed by Paresh K Desai
Diagnosis certain

Presentation

Fever and breathlessness

Patient Data

Age: 15 years
Gender: Male

Pigtail drainage catheter with the tip projected over the T11 vertebral body. Left chest tube noted within the whiteout left lung. Cardiomegaly.

Drainage catheters in situ. Pericardial effusion seen.

Case Discussion

A child with tuberculous pleural and pericardial effusion.

A chest drain was inserted on the left pleura. Pericardial effusion was aspirated with a wide bore needle on 3 occasions, which has reaccumulated. Ultimately a 8F pigtail catheter was inserted under ultrasound guidance.

Pericardial fluid yielded - high adenosine deaminase and lymphocytosis.

Patient gradually improved on anti-tubercular therapy.

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