J Korean Radiol Soc.  1998 Jun;38(6):1033-1036. 10.3348/jkrs.1998.38.6.1033.

CT Findings of Tuberculous Pericardial Effusion

• Seo MR
• Lee JS
• Song KS
• Lim TH

• KMID: 2201341
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3348/jkrs.1998.38.6.1033

Abstract

PURPOSE: To evaluate the CT findings of tuberculous pericardial effusion.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
In 12patients with tuberculous pericardial effusion. CT scans were obtained. The condition was diagnosed by thepresence of chronic granulomatous inflammation with caseous granuloma or acid fast bacilli in a biopsy specimen orpericardial fluid. CT findings were evaluated with regard to the appearance and the location of pericardialthickening, location of pericardial effusion, loculation of the pericardial effusion by adhesion of pericardiumand associated findings such as pulmonary tuberculosis or pleural effusion.
RESULTS
In all cases, pericardialeffusion and thickening were seen. This thickening was usually even(10 of 12 cases), and occurred mainly in theanterior portion(7 of 12 cases). Thickened pericardium was enhanced and showed higher attenuation than adjacentchest wall muscle. Effusion was usually found in the anterior portion(10 of 12 cases), though the right and leftside were also involved(5/12 and 6/12 cases, respectively). Loculation of pericardial effusion was noted in tencases. Pleural effusion occurred in eight cases and associated active pulmonary tuberculosis in five.
CONCLUSION
The CT findings of tuberculous pericardial effusion are enhanced evenly-thickened pericardium and anteriorloculated pericardial effusion, and are helpful for the diagnosis of tuberculous pericardial effusion.

Keyword

Pericardium, CT; Pericardium; Effusion; Pericardium; Tuberculosis

MeSH Terms

Biopsy
Diagnosis
Granuloma
Inflammation
Pericardial Effusion*
Pericardium
Pleural Effusion
Tomography, X-Ray Computed
Tuberculosis
Tuberculosis, Pulmonary