Tuberculosis pericárdica / Pericardial tuberculosis

La tuberculosis pericárdica es una presentación poco frecuente de infecciones causadas por especies de Micobacterias. Se presenta el caso de una paciente femenina de 43 años de edad con antecedentes de Leucemia linfocítica aguda en remisión completa, en fase de mantenimiento con Dasatinib durante cuatro años: había derrame pleural derecho como efecto secundario, y consultó por presentar disnea progresiva, concomitante fiebre de 39ºC precedida por escalofríos, sin patrón horario asociándose a las 72 horas exacerbación del patrón de disnea hasta la ortopnea y disminución del volumen urinario motivo por el cual es traída a nuestro centro. Durante su estancia hospitalaria se realiza TC de tórax hallándose de manera incidental la existencia de derrame pericárdico, se realiza ecoscopia donde se visualiza derrame pericárdico importante a predominio posterior, de 27 mm de volumen con colapso de cavidades cardíacas derechas, estableciéndose el diagnóstico de taponamiento cardíaco. Se realiza pericardiocentesis con obtención de 720 cc de liquido pericárdico turbio. 72 horas posterior al procedimiento presenta nuevo episodio de taponamiento cardíaco realizándose ventana pleuropericárdica; el ADA de líquido pericárdico reportó valores 2 veces superior a limite de corte; el resultado de la biopsia de pericardio reportó fibrosis pericárdica. En vista de hallazgos clínicos y paraclínicos se planteó el diagnóstico de Pericarditis tuberculosa.

Pleuropericardial tuberculosis is a rare presentation of infections caused by Micobacterias. The case of a 43 years - old female patient with a history of acute lymphocytic leukemia in complete remission in the maintenance phase with dasatinib for four years with right pleural effusion is presented. She consulted for progressive dyspnea; there was also fever (39ºC) and chills. Within 72 hours orthopnoea and decreased urine volume appeared. During her hospital stay a chest CT showed the existence of pericardial effusion, and endoscopy confirmed severe pericardial effusion of 27 mm with right-sided heart collaps, and because the diagnosis of cardiac taponade was made pericardiocentesis was performed, obtaining 720 cc of pericardial turbid fluid; after s 72 hours after a new episode of cardiac taponade occurred, so that a pleuropericardial window was done. ADA values reported 2 times higher cutting; pericardial biopsy reported pericardial fibrosis. In view of these findings, clinical and laboratory diagnosis of tuberculous pericarditis was established.

Histoplasmosis: a study of 158 cases in Venezuela, 2000-2005.

Histoplasmosis, a granulomatous disease caused by Histoplasma capsulatum, is endemic in Venezuela. We conducted the current study to appraise retrospectively the demographic data, clinical features, diagnostic methods, and treatment of patients with histoplasmosis from January 2000 to December 2005. We reviewed the medical records of outpatient cases with a diagnosis of histoplasmosis and considered clinical samples processed at our laboratory. We collected demographic, epidemiologic, and clinical data from each case as available, including results of any mycologic examinations performed. Treatment and outcome data were available for some patients. We assessed 158 cases of histoplasmosis: 103 (65.2%) patients came from the Caracas metropolitan area; 53 were associated with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), 14 with tuberculosis, and 8 with paracoccidioidomycosis. Six pediatric patients were malnourished. Epidemiologic data suggested histoplasmosis in most cases. Patients received treatment with itraconazole and/or amphotericin B. Our results may reflect changes in the epidemiology occurring in Venezuela, perhaps due to environmental changes and the presence of AIDS. Several mycologic exams are necessary to ensure a proper diagnosis. More reliable data and statistics on this infection are necessary to monitor outbreaks closely and to establish if there is an epidemic pattern.