A case of Vietnamese immigrant with tuberculous mediastinopericarditis

Abstract

A case of vietnamese immigrant with tuberculous mediastinopericarditis was reported and the literature was reviewed. A 39 year-old man was admitted to our hospital with chief complaints of dyspnea and weakness. Blood chemistry suggested the existence of congestive liver dysfunction. Chest X-ray film revealed marked cardiomegaly and a abnormal mass in the anteriorly superior area which was confirmed as anterior mediastinum on CT scan. Echocardiogram disclosed a large volume of pericardial effusion and thickened pericardium. Tuberculin test was positive. Firstly, this mediastinal mass was believed to be malignant tumor and the pericardial effusion had originated from it. Finally, tuberculous mediastinopericarditis was diagnosed by detecting tuberculous mycobacterium from the cultured pericardial effusion and also the biopsied lymph nodes. Although occurrence of tuberculous mediastinopericarditis is rare at the present time in Japan, this disease has not been exterminated and should be kept in mind.