[Tuberculos pericarditis [about 220 cases]]

ABSTRACT

Between January 1977 and December 1989, 220 cases of tuberculosis pericarditis were diagnosed in the cardiology ward of the Medical School Ibn Rochd Hospital of Casablanca. They fell into three broad catergories - acute pericarditis 130 cases [59%] - sub-acute pericarditis 40 cases [18%] - constrictive pericarditis 50 cases [23%]. The average of the patients was 30 years, a majority being male [65%]. Forty-four cases of acute pericarditis were admitted with a tamponade. The cases of sub-acute pericarditis were distinguished by respiratory difficulties [95%] and signs of constriction [95%]. The cases of constrictive pericarditis were all characterized by the existence of Pick's syndrome [100%]. The diagnosis of tuberculosis was certain in 44 cases [20%], and was made with strong basis for assumption in the remaining 80%. We regret the 18 deaths that resulted during this study. Forty- three patients were seen again after an average delay of 47 months; development in 32 cases judged to be good, and stable in 7 other cases. Four later deaths were also recorded