Cardiac tuberculosis

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Cardiac tuberculosis refers to the rare infection of the cardiac musculatureheart with Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

Pathology

Generally associated with and occurring as a complication of mediastinal and pulmonary tuberculosis.

Pericardial and myocardial involvement is known. Endocardial spread may occur from myocardium. Modes of spread to the myocardium are via lymphatics from mediastinal nodes, directly from the pericardium, or via a haematogenous route.

Radiographic features

Plain radiograph
CT
Cardiac MRI
  • T1: nodular lesion which appears isointense to slightly hyperintense
  • T2: isointense
  • C+ Gd: mild heterogeneous enhancement

Treatment and prognosis

Patients generally respond well to antituberculous therapy. Clinical examination, known primary pulmonary infection and follow-up examinations will help confirm the diagnosis.

Differential diagnosis

Imaging differential considerations include:

  • -<p><strong>Cardiac tuberculosis </strong>refers to the rare infection of the cardiac musculature with <em>Mycobacterium tuberculosis</em>.</p><h4>Pathology</h4><p>Generally associated with and occurring as a complication of mediastinal and <a href="/articles/tuberculosis-pulmonary-manifestations-1">pulmonary tuberculosis</a>.</p><p>Pericardial and myocardial involvement is known. Endocardial spread may occur from myocardium. Modes of spread to the myocardium are via lymphatics from mediastinal nodes, directly from the <a href="/articles/pericardium">pericardium</a>, or via a haematogenous route.</p><h4>Radiographic features</h4><h5>Plain radiograph</h5><ul>
  • -<li>acute stage: no findings in heart; active lung infection may be present</li>
  • +<p><strong>Cardiac tuberculosis</strong> refers to the rare infection of the <a title="Heart" href="/articles/heart">heart</a> with <a title="Mycobacterium tuberculosis" href="/articles/mycobacterium-tuberculosis"><em>Mycobacterium tuberculosis</em></a>.</p><h4>Pathology</h4><p>Generally associated with and occurring as a complication of mediastinal and <a href="/articles/tuberculosis-pulmonary-manifestations-1">pulmonary tuberculosis</a>.</p><p>Pericardial and myocardial involvement is known. Endocardial spread may occur from myocardium. Modes of spread to the myocardium are via <a title="Lymphatics" href="/articles/lymphatic-system">lymphatics</a> from mediastinal nodes, directly from the <a href="/articles/pericardium">pericardium</a>, or via a haematogenous route.</p><h4>Radiographic features</h4><h5>Plain radiograph</h5><ul>
  • +<li>acute stage: no findings in heart, but active lung infection may be present</li>

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