ABSTRACT
During the past decades the prevalence of tuberculosis [TB] has declined and its prognosis has changed dramatically due to chemotherapy; however, cases of tuberculous pericarditis are still reported worldwide. The study population included 19 men and 11 women aged 12-76 years admitted to the hospital for acute pericardial disease. The diagnosis of tuberculous pericarditis was verified based on the adenosine deaminase activity [ADA], culture on Lowenstein-Jensen media, Ziehl Neelsen staining, biopsy of pericardial tissue and evaluation of tuberculin test. Of 30 patients, 13 [43.3%] had tuberculous pericarditis. All of whom had clinical TB manifestations. The culture of pericardial fluid in 6 patients [46%], staining in 3 [23%], and the culture of pericardial tissue in 6 patients [46%] were positive. The caseating granuloma was identified in 46% of cases. Ten case [77%] had positive PPD reaction. All tuberculous pericarditis patients had ADA level of >45U/l. Results have revealed that measurement of ADA level may prove a good screening test for early diagnosis of tuberculous pericarditis