Tuberculous pericarditis history and symptoms


 * Associate Editor-In-Chief: Varun Kumar, M.B.B.S.; Lakshmi Gopalakrishnan, M.B.B.S.

Overview
Tuberculous pericarditis has a variable clinical presentation and should be considered in the evaluation of all cases of pericarditis that are not self-limiting. It is a difficult disease to diagnose and hence several diagnostic tools are employed. The history and symptoms are just one such tool.

History and symptoms
The patient may present with the following symptoms:
 * Fever
 * Weight loss
 * Night sweats
 * Cough
 * Breathlessness
 * Chest pain which changes with posture
 * Malaise
 * Ankle edema

The frequency and severity of the above symptoms varies with the stage of the infection, the degree of involvement of the pericardium, and the degree of extrapericardial infection.