Volume 6, Number 23;  August 18, 2006

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Unique Identifier [PMID]: 16330703

Authors: Mayosi BM. Burgess LJ. Doubell AF.

Institution: The Cardiac Clinic, Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Groote Schuur Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa. bmayosi@uctgsh1.uct.ac.za

Title: Tuberculous pericarditis. [Review] [82 refs]

Source: Circulation. 112(23):3608-16, 2005 Dec 6.

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The incidence of tuberculous pericarditis is increasing in Africa as a result of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) epidemic. The primary objective of this article was to review and summarize the literature on the pathogenesis, diagnosis, and management of tuberculous pericarditis. METHODS AND RESULTS: We searched MEDLINE (January 1966 to May 2005) and the Cochrane Library (Issue 1, 2005) for information on relevant references. A "definite" diagnosis of tuberculous pericarditis is based on the demonstration of tubercle bacilli in pericardial fluid or on a histological section of the pericardium; "probable" tuberculous pericarditis is based on the proof of tuberculosis elsewhere in a patient with otherwise unexplained pericarditis, a lymphocytic pericardial exudate with elevated adenosine deaminase levels, and/or appropriate response to a trial of antituberculosis chemotherapy. Treatment consists of the standard 4-drug antituberculosis regimen for 6 months. It is uncertain whether adjunctive corticosteroids are effective in reducing mortality or progression to constriction. Surgical resection of the pericardium remains the appropriate treatment for constrictive pericarditis. The timing of surgical intervention is controversial, but many experts recommend a trial of medical therapy for noncalcific pericardial constriction, and pericardiectomy in nonresponders after 4 to 8 weeks of antituberculosis chemotherapy. CONCLUSIONS: Research is needed to improve the diagnosis, assess the effectiveness of adjunctive steroids, and determine the impact of HIV infection on the outcome of tuberculous pericarditis. [References: 82]

Publication Type: Journal Article. Review.

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Unique Identifier [PMID]: 12226030

Authors: Burgess LJ. Reuter H. Carstens ME. Taljaard JJ. Doubell AF.

Institution: Department of Cardiology, Tygerberg Hospital and University of Stellenbosch, South Africa. lburgess@iafrica.com

Title: The use of adenosine deaminase and interferon-gamma as diagnostic tools for tuberculous pericarditis.

Source: Chest. 122(3):900-5, 2002 Sep.

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Traditional diagnostic tests for pericardial tuberculosis (TB) are insensitive and often require long culture periods, and this has led to more emphasis being placed on biochemical tests such as the pericardial adenosine deaminase (ADA) test. However, controversy exists as to its diagnostic utility. In addition, the use of interferon (IFN)-gamma, which is a reliable indicator of pleural and peritoneal TB, has not been explored in pericardial effusions. We investigated ADA and IFN-gamma levels in pericardial effusions of different etiologies. METHODS AND RESULTS: A prospective study was carried out from February 1995 to February 1998 at Tygerberg Hospital (South Africa), with pericardial taps being performed under echocardiographic guidance. During this period, 110 consecutive patients presenting with large pericardial effusions were included in the study. Diagnoses were made according to predetermined criteria, and they included TB (n = 64), malignancy (n = 12), nontuberculous infections (n = 5), other effusions (n = 19), and effusions of uncertain origin (n = 10). The median ADA level in the tuberculous group was 71.7 U/L (range, 10.3 to 303.6 U/L), which was significantly higher than that in any other group (p < 0.05). With a cutoff level for ADA activity of 30 U/L, sensitivity was 94%, specificity was 68%, and positive predictive value was 80%. IFN-gamma levels were determined in 30 subjects. The median IFN-gamma concentration in the tuberculous group was > 1,000 pg/L, which was significantly higher than in any other diagnostic group (p < 0.0005). A cutoff value of 200 pg/L for IFN-gamma resulted in a sensitivity and specificity of 100% for the diagnosis of pericardial TB. CONCLUSION: Pericardial fluid levels of ADA and IFN-gamma are useful in the diagnosis of tuberculous pericarditis.

Publication Type: Journal Article.

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Unique Identifier [PMID]: 9399529

Authors: Cegielski JP. Devlin BH. Morris AJ. Kitinya JN. Pulipaka UP. Lema LE. Lwakatare J. Reller LB.

Institution: Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina 27710, USA. peterceg@loxinfo.co.th

Title: Comparison of PCR, culture, and histopathology for diagnosis of tuberculous pericarditis.

Source: Journal of Clinical Microbiology. 35(12):3254-7, 1997 Dec.

Abstract: Nucleic acid amplification techniques for the diagnosis of tuberculosis (TB) are rapidly being developed. Scant work, however, has focused on pericardial TB. Using cryopreserved specimens from a prior study of pericarditis, we compared PCR to culture and histopathology for the diagnosis of tuberculous pericarditis in 36 specimens of pericardial fluid and 19 specimens of pericardial tissue from 20 patients. Fluid and tissue were cultured on Lowenstein-Jensen and Middlebrook solid media and in BACTEC radiometric broth. Tissue specimens were stained with hematoxylin-eosin, Ziehl-Neelsen, auramine O, and Kinyoun stains and were examined for granuloma formation and acid-fast bacilli. PCR was performed with both fluid and tissue with IS6110-based primers specific for the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex by published methods. Sixteen of the 20 patients had tuberculous pericarditis and 4 patients had other diagnoses. TB was correctly diagnosed by culture in 15 (93%) patients, by PCR in 13 (81%) patients, and by histology in 13 of 15 (87%) patients. PCR gave one false-positive result for a patient with Staphylococcus aureus pericarditis. Considering the individual specimens as the unit of analysis, M. tuberculosis was identified by culture in 30 of 43 specimens (70%) from patients with tuberculous pericarditis and by PCR in 14 of 28 specimens (50%) from patients with tuberculous pericarditis (P > 0.15). The sensitivity of PCR was higher with tissue specimens (12 of 15; 80%) than with fluid specimens (2 of 13; 15%; P = 0.002). In conclusion, the overall accuracy of PCR approached the results of conventional methods, although PCR was much faster. Therefore, PCR merits further development in this regard. The sensitivity of PCR with pericardial fluid was poor, and false-positive results with PCR remain a concern.

Publication Type: Journal Article.

Resident Report / Department of Medicine & Grady Branch Library

Emory University School of Medicine

2006 Edition

Participating Faculty:  Carlos Del Rio MD  / Joyce Doyle MD / Lorenzo Difrancesco MD / Joel Mermis MD / Maunank Shah MD

Contact: Karl Woodworth