CT Findings of Tuberculous Pericardial Effusion

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.