Lab Med Online.  2014 Apr;4(2):116-121.

Interferon-gamma Release Assay Using Pericardial Fluid and Peripheral Blood for the Diagnosis of Tuberculous Pericarditis: A Case Report

• Park KS
• Park HD
• Ki CS
• Lee NY
• Chang SA
• Kang ES

Abstract

Here, we report a case in which the rapid diagnosis of tuberculous pericarditis was made using Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB)-specific interferon-gamma release assay on peripheral blood and pericardial effusion. Acid-fast bacilli staining, mycobacterial culture, and nucleic acid amplification targeting MTB using pericardial fluid were negative. However, elevated adenosine deaminase (ADA) activity in pericardial fluid and interferon-gamma release assay positivity in both pericardial fluid and peripheral blood indicated the presence of tuberculous pericarditis. After anti-tuberculous and steroid treatment, the patient's clinical symptoms improved, and pericardial effusion has not reoccurred.

Keyword

Mycobacterium tuberculosis; Interferon-gamma release assay; Tuberculous pericarditis

MeSH Terms

Adenosine Deaminase
Diagnosis*
Interferon-gamma Release Tests*
Interferon-gamma*
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Pericardial Effusion
Pericarditis, Tuberculous*
Adenosine Deaminase
Interferon-gamma